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London travel tips

London attractions map – 120+ attractions in london in one interactive map.

If you’re planning a trip to London you will have probably realised there are a million awesome things to do in London . The British capital is home to tons of iconic landmarks , epic views , interesting museums , quirky markets and more.

Deciding what to include in your London itinerary can be pretty daunting. I lived in London for 9 years, and there are always new places I haven’t yet seen popping up.

Coupled with the fact London is a gigantic city and getting around can be a bit of a nightmare, I know what you’re thinking. Which is why I put together this map of all the main London attractions for you!

In this London attractions map I have included over 120 sites in London that you simply can’t miss.

This London tourist map includes the main tourist sites, but also more unknown local hidden gems , as well as other must-visit spots like gorgeous parks , pretty streets and popular souvenir shopping spots .

I divided the map by category and made it interactive, so that you can filter by the type of London attraction that you’re most interested in.

Whether you’re a Londoner or visiting London for the first time, it’s the ultimate London map, designed to help you make the most of your time in London. So without further ado, let’s dive in and explore this epic London attractions map!

In this guide:

  • 2.1 On laptop
  • 2.2 On mobile
  • 3.1 Iconic landmarks in London
  • 3.2 Prettiest streets in London
  • 3.3 London museums map
  • 3.4 Best viewpoints in London
  • 3.5 Best parks in London
  • 3.6 Awesome London markets
  • 3.7 Londoner hidden gems
  • 3.8 Popular London shopping spots

The London Eye as seen from Westminster Bridge

Interactive map of must-see London attractions

You can find all the most important London attractions, colour coded and divided by category, in the map below.

  Sign up below to have this interactive London tourist map delivered to your inbox!

map of london places to visit

Download your FREE London Attractions Map!

Discover 120+ must-see attractions in London with this FREE interactive map, delivered straight to your inbox!

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How to use this interactive London attractions map

If you’re browsing this article from your laptop, you can use the plus and minus signs in the bottom left corner to zoom in and out of the map.

Click on the symbol in the top left corner next to the map name to see the map legend, details and information about each place and what each colour and category stands for.

From here you can also deselect certain categories, so that you can see the attractions you are most interested in. Make sure to sign up to have the map delivered to your inbox, and easily accessible from your phone or laptop!

Once you open the link to the map it will automatically save itself to your Google Maps. Just go to Google Maps and click on “Menu” > “Your Places” > “Maps” and you will find it there, from here you can easily access it whenever you need it.

London attractions map - tourist map of London showing the 120+ most popular tourist attractions

Similarly on mobile, you can zoom in and out of the embedded map from this page, but it will be easier to have it delivered to your inbox so you can open it and interact with it in Google Maps.

On mobile you will get the suggestion to see the map legend at the bottom of your map screen. From here you can select or deselect the categories you want to know more about.

To access the map again simply click on “Saved” as the bottom middle of your Google Maps Screen, then select “Maps” and you will see “London Attractions Map by London Dreaming” there.

Photo collage showing how to access and use your London attractions map on mobile

What attractions are included in this London tourist map?

With so many incredible things to do and places to see, this map could have become a bit overwhelming. Which is why I divided it by category, so that you can explore London by interest first.

Read on to discover a bit about every category, and the beautiful places in London that I included in each section and this London tourist map.

Iconic landmarks in London

I couldn’t put together a London attractions map and not include the most iconic landmarks in London. This section includes all the most famous London landmarks you have undoubtedly already heard of.

From the London Eye to Tower Bridge, or from Big Ben to Covent Garden, this category of the London attractions map includes all the main tourist sights!

If you want to make sure you make the most of these iconic London landmarks, check out these popular tours.

Greta Omoboni - author of London Dreaming

Prettiest streets in London

I wanted to include a section on the most beautiful streets in London, because even though they may not be as well-known as those famous London sights, there are many iconic streets in London you have to see.

Some streets, like Portobello Road or Carnaby Street, you will recognise simply from the name, whilst others are more off the beaten track, but equally as beautiful.

I love walking down these gorgeous London streets, as they convey a strong London vibe, without being an official attraction you have to queue and pay for. One of my favourite areas to walk in London is Notting Hill .

Many of the prettiest streets in London are concentrated in this area. From the pastel coloured streets of Hillgate Place to the imposing white Victorian houses of Kensington Park Gardens, you can do a great self-guided Notting Hill walking tour .

Walking down Westbourne Grove in Notting Hill, with Portobello Road in the back

London museums map

No London museums map would be complete without a special mention to London’s museums. There are loads of museums in London, including many unique ones that will appeal even to people who don’t usually like museums.

I say so because I am one of those people. I’m not a huge fan of art galleries, but when it comes to engaging and interactive exhibitions like at the Natural History Museum or Science Museum in South Kensington , you can be sure I’m first in line when the museums open.

In London you will find also very specific museums, like the Charles Dickens Museum, the Freud Museum or the London Film Museum.

And what’s best, many of these museums are free entry, making them one of the most popular free attractions in London !

The inside of the Natural History Museum in London

Best viewpoints in London

If you’ve read my blog before, you know how much I love a good viewpoint. London especially has an incredibly iconic skyline, which you can enjoy a panoramic view of from many spots around the city.

This section maps all the best places you can go to to get a gorgeous view of the London skyline. From rooftop bars to park hills, here you will find a great viewpoint for every style.

These viewpoints are also great places to capture those perfect London instagram shots ! If you want all your friends back home to know you had the time of your life in London, make sure to pair your shots with these epic London Instagram captions .

Enjoying the sunset over London from Sky Garden

Best parks in London

Because after a couple days in London , I imagine most people will want to take a break from this frenetic city and enjoy a bit of greenery. Places like Hyde Park, Primrose Hill and Kew Gardens are the perfect place to do just that.

But these aren’t just places where you can take a break. Some of these parks are in and of themselves well-known London attractions, or are home to famous events (for example Hyde Park hosts Winter Wonderland every year, one of the most popular London Christmas activities ).

Others aren’t as famous, but I still wanted to include them in this London map. Whether you need a break from the busy nightlife of Shoreditch , or genuinely want to visit Kyoto Gardens, these peaceful green areas will give you that.

Enjoying the view over Regents Park and the London skyline from Primrose Hill

Awesome London markets

If you want to go beyond shops and restaurants, these epic London markets are the perfect place to do just that. In this section I included both street food markets, vintage markets and general items markets.

From the famous markets like those in Camden or Shoreditch , to the more unknown ones like Mercato Metropolitano or Columbia Road Flower Market, this London places to visit map includes them all!

These markets are the perfect place to taste delicious ethnic food, while browsing independent local stalls that sell all sorts of vintage items, unique handmade products and unique souvenirs.

One of the indoors markets at Camden Market

Londoner hidden gems

Welcome to my favourite section of this places to visit in London map! In the previous sections I already included a lot of spots that go beyond the usual tourist sights, but this section goes even beyond that.

Here you will find many gorgeous and fun places that you won’t find on the classic London travel guides. Some are even located in the heart of London, like The Scoop or St Dunstan in the East, but they are often overlooked.

Relaxing at St Dunstan in the East

Popular London shopping spots

For a complete London experience, I figured no tourist map of Central London would be complete without a shopping section. After all, I know most travellers will be on the lookout for unique London gifts during their trip!

In this section you will find specific stores, popular shopping streets and also malls. Whether you’re looking to renovate your wardrobe or for quirky souvenirs for your family, one of these places is likely to sell just what you’re looking for.

Christmas decorations at Harrods

Not just a London sights map

I hope this map of London neighbourhoods and attractions will help you plan your time in London. When I plan trips I find it very useful to see where places are, so I can plan my journey times and itinerary accordingly.

If you’re looking for more help in planning your time in London, you can download also my FREE London travel planner!

map of london places to visit

Download your FREE London Travel Planner!

Sign up to receive this free London travel planner delivered straight to your inbox!

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Or check these useful travel guides:

  • What to pack for a trip to London for any season!
  • The best areas to stay in London – for every traveller & budget
  • Discover London by area
  • London solo travel guide – best things to do alone in London!
  • Discover all the best places to eat & drink in London!

View over Westminster from the top of the London Eye

Final thoughts on the ultimate London landmarks map

There you have it, the ultimateCentral London tourist map! Have you been to London before? Did you visit popular London attractions that aren’t mapped here? Let me know in the comments below!

I put together this London attractions map based on my 9-year experience in London. I wanted to go beyond the usual tourist spots, and create a map with local hidden gems and epic sights beyond the usual sites.

I hope you find my London tourist attractions map useful in planning your time in London! If you have any questions just let me know in the comments below.

Enjoyed exploring my Map of London tourist attractions? Pin it!

Photo collage of a London tourist map and the sunset over the London Eye & Thames River with text overlay saying "The ultimate London attractions map"

Greta Omoboni is a full time blogger based in London. After 3.5 years of blogging about destinations all over the world on her main site, Greta's Travels, she decided to start a new site, dedicated to her second home and favourite city; London!

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map of london places to visit

This Is (Possibly) The Most Efficient Sightseeing Tour Of London

Want to do all the attractions , very quickly? Then here's the perfect London sightseeing map for you!

Guy Parsons

Ever wanted to go for a walk and hit up almost all of London’s sights in one fell swoop? Well, Redditor magulagie has the answer for you. They’ve created the ultimate London sightseeing map for tourists in a hurry. Just over five miles long on the map, it takes in a ton of London’s most iconic features, and if you avoid going inside any of the places you pass, it’ll only take about two hours ! Who needs to be filled in on all the historic interiors, anyway?

Perfect for ticking a lot of London tourist map boxes, filling up that Instagram story, or just getting your bearings on foot at the beginning of a trip full of London sightseeing . It’s like the Match of the Day of finding your way around London for the first time, and this one will hit like an injury-time winner.

Naturally, we had to give the sightseeing route a try for ourselves. And it definitely gets our seal of approval!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Secret London (@secret.london)

You’ll start off at Trafalgar Square…

Bright sunlight and blue skies over Trafalgar Square, one of the best free things to do in London

There’s no London walking tour map without Trafalgar Square , so we might as well kick things off with this roaring-statue-filled paradise of pigeons…and a slice of London’s history, of course. A mighty first spot, and one that Nelson would very much approve of being tucked into first place. Where else would we begin?

Take a stroll along the Mall…

the view down the mall leading to buckingham palace - the road is lined with union jack flags

When we say stroll, we mean a speedy one—we’ve got a time limit to adhere to, people! A route in honour of Queen Victoria has to be added to a London map of attractions, right? Well, not necessarily, but when it looks this grandiose, you’ll want to be making it your next stop on your sightseeing tour. On we march; our love of London building more and more with each stride…

Until you arrive at Buckingham Palace…

The magnificent Buckingham Palace, the seat of the Monarchy, in London

Can’t really miss this one, can you? The home of the Royal Family gazes out over the plush fields of Green Park and attracts millions of visitors each year. If you see King Charles , be sure to quiz him on whether he’s ticked off all these boxes on his London sightseeing tour. Will he be a mere poser on London attractions or a go-to knowledge box?

Then head along Birdcage Walk…

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ciaran Thomas (@ciaranthomas97)

After you’ve taken a selfie with the Royal Family, it’s a no-brainer to make Birdcage Walk the next pin on your walking map of London attractions . Famous diary scribe Samuel Pepys mentioned this walk in his writings way back in the 1600s, and the name of the walk dates back to the reign of King James I . Not a bad smattering of history to saunter through on the way to your next destination. Tweet tweet.

Until you get to Westminster Abbey…

westminster abbey as seen on a sunny day with a tree in the foreground

Even if you’ve been before, or don’t plan to look inside, making time for the resplendent piece of gothic architecture that is Westminster Abbey on your walking tour of London is a necessity. It’s been the location of 39 coronations since 1066 , and you just need to stand and admire one of London’s crown jewels.

The Houses of Parliament, and Big Ben, are right next door…

the clock tower of big ben majestically towering over a statue of a rearing horse

Talking of jewels in London’s crown, it’s always nice to check out the big bonging boombox that is the Elizabeth Tower , better known as Big Ben . You can also kill two birds with one stone by adding the Houses Of Parliament to your London sightseeing day which, if nothing else, is good to tick off to say you’ve seen the place where Members of Parliament shout at the Members of Parliament sitting opposite them. And the place Guy Fawkes wanted to destroy…

Then head over Westminster Bridge…

Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and Westminster bridge at sunset, London, United Kingdom

The second path over the river in central London history, after London Bridge. It’s been here since 1750, though it’s only been green since 1970, and it’s the perfect spot for a moment of reflection on your walking tour of London… if you don’t get bumped out of the way by commuters hurrying across Westminster Bridge in the morning. Hey, it happens. Unless you’re the one who does the bumping. Then you’re the one to watch out for, you treacherous little fiend.

And you’ll get to the South Bank. Along here you’ll see the London Eye.

the london eye standing tall on a gorgeous blue sky day

Though the queue might seem daunting, there’s no denying that the dome built for the millennium is something that just needs to be seen. The London Eye was even named London’s most loved landmark in a study, so at the very least you’ll need to head over there on your walking tour to see whether you agree. But if you want to crack on with the quickfire walking tour, you won’t be able to dive into a pod for the view on this occasion — they go around slooooowwwwllllllyyy.

Now for the Southbank Centre

The iconic, bright yellow stairs at the Southbank Centre

Whether it’s a place to hang out in the summer to catch some rays or your checkpoint on the map for a cold day’s activity of viewing some art , there’s always something going on at the Southbank Centre , and you’ll likely see us banging on about it all year round !

And book stalls under Waterloo Bridge.

someone browsing the books laid out at a book market

“I kept always two books in my pocket, one to read, one to write in.” Robert Louis Stevenson was a maverick with the pen, so maybe we should start adopting this practice too. If you’re looking for one to fill the first item, then you’ll find just the place on your walking tour. Maybe the man who gave us Treasure Island and Kidnapped also once carried a London sightseeing map in his pocket…

Head past that scrap of sand we call the foreshore and the OXO Tower.

a patch of sand in front of some london buildings, including the oxo tower in the background

While we can’t get away with calling it a beach , we’ll just play pretend for this London sightseeing tour , okay?! There’s no time for a cocktail on these shores though; there’s a tour to be getting on with! Dawdlers, be gone.

Before too long you’ll arrive at the Tate Modern .

Exterior and entrance of the Tate Modern in London

London’s most popular art gallery, don’tcha know? Are you going to go in? NO. THERE IS NO TIME. YOU MUST COMPLETE THE REST OF YOUR LONDON SIGHTSEEING MAP.

Carry on along the river a little bit and you’ll see Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre.

An exterior shot of The Globe Theatre in Southbank, London

And this is embarrassing but (for the only time on this walk) you’ll have to double back on yourself very slightly. I know, the ultimate betrayal; but still not quite as bad as the one poor Hamlet was struck with.

Then it’s over Millennium Bridge:

the millenium bridge as seen from a low angle, with many people walking across it on a sunny day

2000 gave us Kid A by Radiohead, but it also gave us the opening of the incredibly useful Millennium Bridge. You can decide which you prefer for yourself; though you can, of course, enjoy them simultaneously along your London sightseeing map walk through the power of headphones. What a world.

Until you reach St. Paul’s Cathedral !

Londoners walking on Millennium bridge in front of st pauls cathedral

I hear it’s beautiful inside, but you’re not allowed to take photos anyway so, quite frankly, who’s got the time? Anyway, it’s Christopher Wren’s masterpiece and one that you’ll need to check off your London sightseeing tour list.

Then it’s time to walk along Cannon Street…

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Thoroughly Modern Milly (@millykr)

This bit’s a little boring, to be honest. (It’s certainly nowhere near as pretty as its namesake in Birmingham .) But there is a stunning little townhouse, now home to The Walbrook Club, hidden away down a side street along the way. Don’t spend too long searching for it, though, as there are places to go and sights to see!

…until you get to The Monument!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Glenn (@perspectivebyglenn)

Don’t ask which monument – it’s The Monument and you’ll find it near Monument station. Keep your eyes peeled, because even if it towers overhead – it’s surprisingly easy to miss! The grand monument to the Great Fire Of London in 1666 is a tall order for your London tour, but I’m sure you’ll make it worthwhile.

Now just roll down Lower Thames Street and you’ll soon get to the Tower of London!

A picture of the Tower of London bathed in the sunshine, one of the best things to do in London

You could go in, meet the ravens, ogle a Beefeater, check out the Crown Jewels. Or say ‘nahhhhhhhhhhh y’alright’ and carry on. There’s plenty more of your sightseeing tour to tick off. Anyway, it’s a classy fortress that might look easy on the eye, but was also used to lock people up in the Tudor period. Don’t get on the wrong side of them…

Tower Bridge is, like, right next door. Get a load of that.

An aerial shot of Tower Bridge and The Shard at sunset in London Bridge.

Few more to go on your London sightseeing map . Getting tired yet? Good. You’ve nearly earned your end-of-tour pint. Hey! Stop thinking about alcohol and feast your eyes on Tower Bridge .

Then just a couple of minutes away you’ll reach the pretty marina at St. Katherine’s Docks:

the marina at st katherine's docks

Need a pint now… But St. Katherine’s Docks is pretty, and pretty much wraps up our London tourist map. I can hear those beer barrels being readied to fill the glasses.

Until – hurrah! – you finally arrive at a flower-festooned pub.

the flower-laden exterior of the old-timey looking dickens inn

Well played, my tourist friend: the cheeriest of cheers to you. Now it’s definitely time for a pint !

Also published on Medium .

map of london places to visit

TYPE IN YOUR SEARCH AND PRESS ENTER

London in Real Life

Ultimate Attraction Map of London: See it all, Efficiently!

The most important piece of advice I give London tourists is to group attractions by neighbourhood.

It’s hard to comprehend just how big London is and how far spread out the attractions are.

Unlike other major cities, there is no single “downtown London.” Instead, London is a collection of neighborhoods that each have their own features and attractions.

To help you figure out which London attractions are close together, I’ve put together the ultimate attraction map of London. 

Use this map to navigate to figure out what you want to see, plan your daily itinerary, and find out about cool sights you may have missed on Google Maps. 

I’ve included the highlights and major attractions of each area, suggested others you may not have heard of, and will tell you exactly what’s nearby. 

Stylized 'London Attractions Map' featuring iconic London landmarks superimposed over a silhouette of London's map. The illustration includes the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, the London Eye, and a portion of Tower Bridge, all set against a teal background with a compass rose indicating direction. This image is ideal for tourists and online visitors interested in a visual overview of major sights in London, corresponding with the search keyword 'attraction map of London'.

How to Use This Map of London Sights

You can either use this map to navigate live, or use it while you’re researching your trip.

  • To navigate London transport, I always recommend using either Citymapper or Google Maps .
  • Some distances are walkable, but sometimes you will have to use transport to get between attractions.
  • Learn the A-Z of how to use London buses here .
  • Learn all about how to use the London Underground (tube) here .

Please note: I can’t fit every single London attraction you might want to see on this map or in this post. I’m merely suggesting the most popular attractions tourists might want to see. 

I’ve put a star – ⭐️ – next to my favorites as a Londoner who has seen and done it all.

Ultimate Attraction Map of London

You can filter by attraction type by clicking the category on the top of the map.

Westminster 

Westminster is where many of the classic and iconic London attractions are located, including Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and Westminster Abbey. 

Westminster is bordered by St. James’s Park and the River Thames.

Top Attractions in Westminster 

  • Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament
  • Buckingham Palace, including the Changing of the Guards, Royal Mews, and Queen’s Gallery (Palace only open for tours in summer & select times – book ahead )
  • ⭐️ Westminster Abbey  
  • ⭐️ Churchill War Rooms  (book ahead)
  • River cruises and boat tours from Westminster Pier 

Other Attractions in Westminster 

  • Victoria Embankment Gardens & Cleopatra’s Needle
  • ⭐️ Jewel Tower
  • ⭐️ St James’s Palace and St James’s Park
  • ⭐️ Household Cavalry Museum (outside you can pose – politely – with the Royal Guards on horseback)
  • 10 Downing Street (visible from behind gates only)
  • Benjamin Franklin House 

What’s Nearby Westminster? 

Westminster, including Buckingham Palace and Big Ben, are a short distance from: 

  • Trafalgar Square : 10 minute walk National Gallery & National Portrait Gallery
  • West End : 8 minute walk to Theatreland! Covent Garden, Piccadilly Circus, Soho, Leicester Square.
  • Southbank : 8 minute walk to The London Eye, London Dungeons, SEA LIFE Aquarium, Shrek’s Adventure
  • Hyde Park : 15 minute bus ride to this massive Royal park with playgrounds, lakes and art galleries.
  • South Kensington : 20 minute tube ride to the Natural History Museum, V&A Museum and the Science Museum.
  • Knightsbridge : 15 minute bus ride to Harrods, posh shopping and dining.
  • Holborn : 20 minute tube or bus ride to Sir John Soane’s Museum & the Hunterian Museum.

London’s West End

Illustrated map of London's West End, captioned 'Shopping & Theatres' for those querying 'which london attractions are close together'. The map highlights the concentration of shopping venues and theatres in Soho and Covent Garden with detailed icons. Additional icons for landmarks along the South Bank indicate the close proximity of diverse attractions in this area. Graphics of a theatre ticket and shopping bags underscore the entertainment and retail opportunities that abound within walking distance in this vibrant part of London.

Next to Westminster is London’s West End – a massive area encompassing Covent Garden, Soho, Leicester Square, Trafalgar Square, and Piccadilly Circus areas, right in the center of the city.

There’s so much to see and do here, and you’ll likely end up here if you’ve booked a theatre show. 

Top Attractions in the West End: 

  • ⭐️ West End theatre productions at many theatres across this area.
  • Trafalgar Square
  • National Gallery & National Portrait Gallery
  • Leicester Square 
  • Piccadilly Circus
  • ⭐️ Covent Garden Market & surrounding areas 
  • ⭐️ The London Transport Museum
  • Chinatown 
  • Oxford Street & Surrounding shopping areas  
  • Hamleys (the largest toy store in the world!)
  • ⭐️ Liberty London

Other Attractions in in the West End: 

  • ⭐️ Forbidden Planet (the coolest nerdy megastore)
  • ⭐️ Seven Dials Food Hall 
  • Courtauld Gallery & Somerset House
  • Bow Street Police Museum
  • Royal Opera House
  • Royal Courts of Justice 

What’s Near Covent Garden, Soho, Trafalgar Square & Piccadilly Circus (the West End):  

  • The British Museum : 10 minute walk from Covent Garden 
  • Westminster Area (Big Ben & Buckingham Palace): 10 minute walk from Trafalgar Square
  • Mayfair: 10 minute walk from Soho to the iconic shopping streets of Oxford Circus, Regent Street and Bond Street 
  • City of London: 20 minute tube or bus ride from Covent Garden to the historic streets of London’s ancient centre. 

City of London

A vibrant, illustrated map of the City of London, often referred to as 'The Square Mile', featuring prominent attractions and landmarks. Icons denote historical buildings, museums, and other points of interest, spread across the map against a background of city streets. The title 'City of London' is displayed at the top in elegant cursive, with a graphic of a Roman helmet labeled 'The Square Mile' at the bottom. This image is attributed to 'London in Real Life', and is ideal for those searching for an 'attraction map London'.

Just to the East of the West End is the City of London.

Also known as “The Square Mile,” this is London’s historic centre where it all began. See Roman Ruins, the Tower of London, and get epic views from one of the skyscrapers that tower above. 

If you’re a history buff, you’ll want to spend a good chunk of time here to really soak it in. There is so much to see. 

Top Attractions in The City of London Area

  • ⭐️ The Tower of London (book ahead – it sells out during peak times)
  • Tower Bridge
  • London Wall & Roman Ruins (in various locations across the City )
  • Monument to the Great Fire of London
  • ⭐️ Leadenhall Market
  • London Mithraeum 
  • ⭐️ St Paul’s Cathedral
  • Sky Garden , Horizon 22 and The Lookout : Free viewing platforms within skyscrapers. Tickets can be hard to come by unless you book the moment they are released. See more free viewpoints here.
  • Bank of England Museum

Other Attractions in The City of London Area

  • ⭐️ St Dunstan in the East Church Garden  
  • Guildhall & Guildhall Art Gallery 
  • The Old Bailey
  • ⭐️ Postman’s Park
  • St Bartholomew’s Hospital grounds & surrounding area (including the memorial to William Wallace)
  • ⭐️ Cloth Fair (the oldest house in London) 
  • ⭐️ Charterhouse Square  

What’s Nearby The Tower of London and The City of London Area:

  • Southwark: 15-20 minute walk across the Thames to Borough Market, Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe and more. 
  • Shoreditch & Spitalfields: 10 minute walk from Liverpool Street to see historic Spitalfields Market, incredible street art, and soak in the East End charm. 
  • Whitechapel: 20 minute walk from Liverpool Street to see the Jack the Ripper Museum or take a tour. 
  • Bloomsbury: 15 minute tube ride to the British Museum from St. Paul’s Cathedral. 
  • Covent Garden: 15 minute bus ride from St. Paul’s Cathedral. 

South Kensington & Chelsea 

Sometimes called “Museumland,” South Kensington features 3 of London’s most popular and largest museums, all right next to each other! 

Top Attractions in South Kensington & Chelsea 

  • ⭐️ Natural History Museum  (free)
  • ⭐️ Victoria & Albert Museum aka “V&A” (free) 
  • ⭐️ Science Museum  (free)
  • Royal Albert Hall 
  • Harrods (Iconic posh shopping destination, technically in Knightsbridge, just up the road from South Kensington)
  • National Army Museum , Chelsea (free)
  • Saatchi Gallery 
  • Chelsea Physic Garden 

Other Attractions in South Kensington & Chelsea 

  • ⭐️ Kynance Mews: a famous and popularly photographed mews in London. 
  • Afternoon Tea: many of the posh hotels and restaurants in this area have excellent afternoon teas to break up your museum-filled day. 
  • King’s Road, Chelsea: Walk the posh streets and pretend you own a Maserati to fit in. 
  • ⭐️ Brompton Cemetery: a magnificent Victorian Cemetery on gorgeous grounds. 

What’s Nearby The Natural History Museum, V&A, and Science Museum: 

  • Kensington: 20 minute walk or 15 minute bus to Kensington Palace from the major museums. 
  • Westminster: 20 minute tube ride to Buckingham Palace from the major museums. 
  • Battersea: 15 minute bus across the Thames to Battersea Park or Battersea Power Station (newly renovated posh shopping centre). 

West London

An illustrative map of West London labeled 'Posh & Pretty' captures the upscale and attractive districts. Notable areas such as Notting Hill, Paddington, Mayfair, and Holland Park are marked with colorful icons. The icons include shopping bags, buildings, and green spaces, reflecting the chic and scenic vibe of this region. This guide is ideal for visitors looking for a 'London tourist map attractions' that highlights the sophisticated and charming spots in West London

West London is different from the West End. The West End is the western part of Central London, while West London generally means anything west of the Hyde Park are.

The areas visitors usually most want to see in West London are Kensington, Notting Hill, and Holland Park. You may also travel in and out of Paddington Station, which is on the North end of this area. 

Top Attractions in West London

  • ⭐️ Hyde Park: The Italian Gardens, Serpentine River & Galleries, Hyde Park Pet Cemetery, Princess Diana Memorial Playground & Fountain, Winter Wonderland (seasonally), and many more beautiful sights. 
  • ⭐️ Kensington Palace and Gardens (the Sunken Garden was Princess Diana’s favorite). Pre-book tickets to avoid disappointment.
  • ⭐️ Holland Park, including Kyoto Gardens 
  • The Design Museum 
  • Notting Hill, including Portobello Road Market 
  • Museum of Brands in Notting Hill 
  • ⭐️ Little Venice

Other Attractions in West London

  • The Churchill Arms in Kensington: an Instagrammable pub exterior with ornate floral designs and lights 
  • Leighton House Museum 
  • Shepherd’s Bush Shopping Centre – a large shopping mall. 
  • Japan House
  • The Thin House
  • The Clockmaker’s Museum (inside the Science Museum) 

What’s Nearby West London

  • South Kensington : 3 major museums are only 20 minute walk from Kensington Palace and Gardens. 
  • Mayfair: 10 minute walk from Hyde Park.
  • Marylebone: 15 minute walk from Hyde Park. 
  • Westminster Area : Buckingham Palace borders Hyde Park on the SE corner, and sights like Big Ben and Westminster Abbey are a 15 minute walk from there. 
  • Knightsbridge & Belgravia: Short walk from Hyde Park to shopping destination Harrods and the posh and lovely streets of Belgravia. 

Marylebone & Mayfair 

These pretty neighbourhoods in West Central London are bordered by Hyde Park and Regent’s Park. They both offer museums, excellent shopping, and a few unique attractions of their own.

Marylebone is to the north bordered by Baker Street, and Mayfair is to the south bordered by Piccadilly and Regent streets.

Top Attractions in Marylebone & Mayfair: 

  • Sherlock Holmes Museum
  • Madame Tussauds
  • ⭐️ Regent’s Park 
  • ⭐️ Hyde Park 
  • ⭐️ The Wallace Collection
  • Bond Street
  • Oxford Street
  • Twist Museum 

Other Attractions in Marylebone & Mayfair 

  • ⭐️ Marylebone High Street, including Daunt Books
  • Royal Academy of Arts 
  • Handel & Hendrix
  • Savile Row 
  • ⭐️ Mercato Mayfair
  • Lots of posh hotels and restaurants 

What’s Nearby Oxford Street (Marylebone & Mayfair): 

  • Soho: Borders Mayfair to the east. These two neighbourhoods share the shopping district of Regent Street (Oxford Street area). 
  • South Kensington & Belgravia: Short walk from Mayfair to Belgravia, or take a 15 bus or tube to the major museums from these neighbourhoods. 
  • Piccadilly Circus: Short walk from Mayfair to iconic shopping destination Fortnum & Mason. 
  • Westminster Area: Just to the South of Mayfair is St. James’s Park and Palace and Buckingham Palace. Big Ben and Parliament is a short distance from there. 

Bloomsbury & King’s Cross 

Another fantastic museum district, but with a more bohemian academic atmosphere, Bloomsbury and surrounding neighbourhoods Fitzrovia and Clerkenwell are beautiful and offer so much to see. 

Just North of here is King’s Cross, which is so much more than a transport hub – it’s recently been redeveloped into a massive shopping and dining destination alongside Regent’s Canal.

Top Attractions in Bloomsbury & King’s Cross Areas: 

  • ⭐️ The British Museum (free)
  • ⭐️ Foundling Museum 
  • Charles Dickens Museum 
  • ⭐️ The Postal Museum 
  • Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology
  • The Wellcome Collection  
  • ⭐️ The British Library  (free)
  • ⭐️ Granary Square & Coal Drops Yard  
  • Harry Potter Platform 9 3/4 inside King’s Cross Station (free but usually a queue for the trolley-in-the-wall photo op)

Other Attractions in Bloomsbury & King’s Cross Area:

  • Monopoly Life Size 
  • London Canal Museum
  • Tavistock Square (popular filming location, recently for Good Omens ) 

What’s Nearby the British Museum (Bloomsbury Area):

  • Camden Market: 10 minute tube ride directly from King’s Cross Station to Camden Town Station, or 20 minutes from Goodge Street Station (near the British Museum) to Camden Town Station.
  • Covent Garden: 15 minute walk south from the British Museum. 
  • Holborn Area: 15 minute walk to Sir John Soane’s Museum or the Hunterian Museum. 
  • Oxford Street Area: 20 minute walk to prime shopping destinations from the British Museum. 
  • King’s Cross Area: 20 minute walk or short tube ride to The British Library, Coal Drops Yard & Granary Square. 

Spitalfields & Shoreditch

Some East End areas London tourists might want to see are Spitalfields and Shoreditch.

These are both historic neighbourhoods that are great to wander and photograph. Visit cool restaurants, see the street art, and shop at the vintage and antique markets. 

Top Attractions in Spitalfields & Shoreditch 

  • ⭐️ Shoreditch street art 
  • ⭐️ Old Spitalfields Market  
  • Brick Lane & Brick Lane Market ( full market weekends only )
  • ⭐️ Dennis Severs House 
  • Jack the Ripper Museum & Tours (usually start in Whitechapel and walk around these areas). 

Other Attractions in Spitalfields & Shoreditch 

  • ⭐️ Christ Church Spitalfields 
  • Truman Brewery Market
  • ⭐️ Puma Court and surrounding streets – original Georgian homes with incredible historic architecture 
  • Whitechapel Gallery 

What’s Nearby Spitalfields & Shoreditch: 

  • Tower of London: 15 minute bus or tube ride (or 25 minute walk) south from Spitalfields. 
  • City of London: 15 minute walk to Leadenhall Market, Sky Garden, and Horizon 22. 
  • Columbia Road Flower Market (Sundays only): 15 minute walk from Spitalfields. 
  • Canary Wharf: 20 minute tube or bus to the Museum of London Docklands. 
  • Southwark: 15 minute bus ride to Borough Market from Spitalfields. 

North London

The leafy boroughs of North London offer a bit more space and greenery than their southern counterparts. Two big attractions may bring you up this direction: the London Zoo and Camden Market. 

Top Attractions in North London

  • Camden Market & Camden Town: yes, the same one in Taylor Swift’s London Boy. 
  • ⭐️ Primrose Hill: pretty pastel houses and gorgeous city views.
  • ⭐️ Regent’s Park, including Queen Mary’s Rose Gardens, Japanese Garden Island, Sir John’s Lodge Garden, and more. 
  • London Zoo 

Other Attractions in North London 

  • ⭐️ Hampstead – a bit further northwest from these attractions but an attractive destination for wandering cobbled lanes and shopping in this posh enclave. 
  • The Jewish Museum 
  • Amy Winehouse Statue: at Camden Market 

What’s Nearby the Camden Market Area: 

  • Hampstead: 10 minute bus or tube ride from Camden Town
  • King’s Cross: 20 minute walk from Camden town, or short bus or tube ride. 
  • Bloomsbury & British Museum : 20 minute bus or tube from Camden Town to the British Museum.

So many top London attractions are packed along the south bank of the Thames. 

This more western park of the south bank of the Thames is called Southbank, while the area further to the east is called Southwark (pronounced Suh-thuk ). 

Top Attractions in Southbank: 

  • The London Eye (book ahead)
  • ⭐️ The London Dungeons 
  • Shrek’s Adventure
  • SeaLife Aquarium 
  • Cruises and boat tours from London Eye Waterloo Pier 

Other Attractions in Southbank: 

  • Florence Nightingale Museum 
  • ⭐️ National Theatre
  • Jubilee Gardens
  • ⭐️ The Graffiti Tunnel
  • Royal Festival Hall
  • ⭐️ Lambeth Palace (just south of Southbank in Lambeth)
  • Garden Museum (just south of Southbank in Lambeth)

What’s Nearby The London Eye & Southbank: 

  • Westminster Area: 10 minute walk across Westminster Bridge to Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. 
  • Trafalgar Square: 15 minute walk across Golden Jubilee Bridges to the National Gallery. 
  • Southwark: 15 minute tube or bus ride to Borough Market. 
  • Covent Garden: 15 minute tube or bus ride to Covent Garden’s shopping, dining, and museums. 

Illustrative map of Southwark, London, captioned 'A Bit of Everything!' for those asking 'which london attractions are close together'. The map features icons for landmarks such as Tower Bridge and the Globe Theatre, indicating their proximity within Southwark. Color-coded illustrations depict cultural sites, eateries, and historical buildings, all clustered closely along the River Thames, making it a compact area rich in diverse attractions.

Pronounced “suh-thuk” and not “south-wark,” this is the eastern end of this bend in the Thames that features some great historic attractions. 

Top Attractions in Southwark: 

  • ⭐️ Borough Market (packed on weekends)
  • ⭐️ Tate Modern  (free with incredible city views)
  • ⭐️ Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre
  • The Shard (View from the Shard & restaurants at the top) 
  • HMS Belfast
  • Clink Prison Museum
  • London Bridge Experience 
  • ⭐️ The Old Operating Theatre  

Other Attractions in and near Southwark: 

  • ⭐️ Southwark Cathedral 
  • ⭐️ Crossbones Graveyard and Garden of Remembrance 
  • The Queen’s Walk 
  • The Golden Hinde
  • ⭐️ The remains of Winchester Palace  
  • Hay’s Galleria shopping centre
  • Potter’s Fields 
  • Fashion and Textile Museum 
  • ⭐️ Maltby Street Market
  • ⭐️ Shad Thames (excellent photo opportunity for all your Instagram needs )

What’s Nearby Borough Market & Southwark: 

  • City of London : take the incredible 10 minute walk across Millennium Bridge straight into the City of London. You’ll be right by St. Paul’s Cathedral. Alternatively, walk across London Bridge and you’ll land right at the Monument to the Great Fire of London.
  • Southbank : 10-15 minute bus or tube ride to The London Eye, London Dungeons, SeaLife Aquarium, and Shrek’s Adventure. 
  • Tower of London: 15-20 minute walk Tower Bridge and you’ll be right at the Tower of London. 
  • Greenwich: 20 minute tube journey to the Royal Museums Greenwich and Greenwich Market. 

Greenwich 

Greenwich makes a perfect day out. It’s not far from Central London by tube and has so much to offer in one small(ish) area. 

Top Attractions in Greenwich: 

  • ⭐️ Royal Museums Greenwich : National Maritime Museum (free), Royal Observatory, Cutty Sark, and Queen’s House (free). 
  • ⭐️ Old Royal Naval College 
  • Greenwich Park
  • Greenwich Market 

Other Attractions in Greenwich: 

  • Fan Museum 
  • The 02 (you can actually climb to the top, if you dare)

What’s Nearby Greenwich: 

Not much is directly nearby Greenwich that tourists to London might want to visit – it’s pretty much the furthest south and east you will go as a visitor. 

  • Southwark: 15 minute tube ride to Borough Market 
  • Canary Wharf: 25 minute tube + bus ride to Museum of London Docklands. 
  • London City Airport: 30 minute tube + bus ride to this London airport, which makes Greenwich an ideal final destination if you’re flying out of here. 

Map of London Sightseeing: Final Tips

Never underestimate the size of London. It’s truly massive, and what looks like a short walk on a map is most definitely not.

Group your attractions by neighborhood to make the most of your limited time in our gorgeous city.

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Which London Attractions Are Close Together? & More FAQs

What’s near the british museum.

The British Museum is in Bloomsbury, which a short walk, tube or bus ride from Covent Garden, the shopping destination Oxford Street, King’s Cross shopping and dining destinations Coal Drops Yard & Granary Square, and several more museums: The Foundling Museum, the Wellcome Collection, The Charles Dickens Museum, The Postal Museum, and The British Library.

What’s near The London Eye?

From the London Eye you can easily walk to Shrek’s Adventure, Sea Life Aquarium, The London Dungeons, and the lovely shopping and dining area of Southbank. Walk or tube/bus across the Thames and you’re in Westminster, where you can see Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and the Churchill War Rooms.

What’s Near the Tower of London?

The Tower of London is right next to the City of London, where so much of London’s history lies. You can walk to Tower Hill (where many executions actually took place), the beautiful and photogenic ruins of St. Dunstan in the East church gardens, Monument to the Great Fire, Sky Garden, Leadenhall Market, and much more.

What’s Near Borough Market?

Borough Market lies in Southwark, on the south bank of the Thames just across from the Tower of London area. The Tower of London makes a great pairing for visiting Borough Market, or you can stay on the south side of the river and see The Old Operating Theatre, The Shard, Southwark Cathedral, Shakespeare’s Globe, The Clink Prison Museum, and the Tate Modern.

What’s near Euston Station?

Near Euston Station you can easily walk to the King’s Cross area for shopping and dining, visit The British Library, wander Regent’s Park, or stroll down to The British Museum.

What’s near Paddington Station?

Paddington Station is not far from the beautiful streets of Notting Hill and Portobello Road Market, the lovely Hyde Park, and the quaint neighborhoods of Marylebone and Mayfair. You can also easily head to Baker Street to see The Sherlock Holmes Museum, Madame Tussauds, and Regents Park.

What’s near London Bridge?

Near London Bridge Station you can easily walk to Borough Market, The Shard, The Old Operating Theatre, The Clink Prison Museum, see the remains of Winchester Palace, or grab a bite and a pint at The George – the only remaining galleried coaching inn in London.

What’s near Buckingham Palace?

Buckingham Palace sits in Westminster, where many tourist attractions are situated. You can see Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament & Big Ben, The Churchill War Rooms, the Jewel Tower, St. James’s Palace and Park, and Trafalgar Square. Or walk across Westminster Bridge to the London Eye & much more!

Is there a map of London sights?

The easiest way to see a map of London sights is to pull up Google Maps, where the major attractions will already be displayed. Or use my map of London sightseeing above!

Where can I get a paper map of London sightseeing?

You can visit the City of London Information Centre near St. Paul’s Cathedral to pick up a paper map of London sights. This is handy if you want to see it all at a glance, or won’t have mobile data while in London.

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22 Famous London Landmarks to Visit (+ map and tips)

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: March 12, 2023

Planning to visit London for the first time? Not sure which London landmarks to include in your itinerary? We have you covered! Discover 22 of the most famous landmarks in London, including tips for visiting each right here – plus a useful map to help you plan your itinerary!

Famous landmarks in London are some of the most iconic to be found anywhere in the world. If you are planning your first visit to London, you could well feel overwhelmed when trying to decide which ones to see and working out how to include them in your itinerary.

In this article, you will discover 22 of the most famous places in London – the places that are worth taking the time to visit. We also include a map indicating the locations of each, so you have a better understanding of where each landmark is situated in London.

Note – In this article the term landmark may be used to refer to any feature, object or building that makes a place easily recognisable. I have therefore included famous buildings, historical monuments and structures as well as locations with cultural and/or geographical significance.

This list will help you to decide which of these famous places to visit in London are must-sees for you. This will depend on your interests, budget and time scale. I have also indicated what I consider the minimal amount of time to visit each, as well as information about the best tours and the cost of entry to each. 

If you are planning to visit a number of the London landmarks it may be cost-effective to purchase a London Pass – for more information about the pass click here .

Tip – If you have limited time in London and want to see as many of these London iconic landmarks as possible there is always the option of joining a tour such as Take Walks London in a Day which includes the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey & the Changing of the Guard .

Or you could take a hop on hop off bus trip where you can see most of the main landmarks. This will help you decide which famous building in London or attraction you would like to spend more time exploring.

Buckingham Palace

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Buckingham Palace is one of the most famous London landmarks.

  • Address: Buckingham Gate, London, SW1A 1AA
  • Nearest tube station: Victoria
  • Cost of entry: Standard adult £30
  • How much time to allow: 2 – 2.5 hours
  • Opening dates & times: Check here

As the official London residence of the British monarchy, Buckingham Palace is one of the most famous places in London. Many people from all over the world would have no trouble recognising it, and it’s certainly up there with the best-known London iconic buildings.

It takes at least 2 hours to tour the state rooms here, which is why the last entry for the day is usually 2 hours and 15 minutes before closing. As a working palace, it’s only open in spring and winter during selected dates. Otherwise, it opens to the public for 10 weeks each year between late July and early October. 

In the past it was not possible to see inside the palace, so if you are in London when it is open, a visit is highly recommended. The splendour of the state rooms is an incredible sight to behold. Purchase tickets for the state rooms here.

The Changing of the Guard also takes place several times per week outside the palace. 

Westminster Abbey

  • Address: 20 Deans Yd, London SW1P 3PA
  • Nearest tube station: Westminster 
  • Cost of entry: Standard adult £24
  • How much time to allow: 1.5 – 2 hours

Westminster Abbey dates back to 960AD when it was first founded by Benedictine monks, and the current building was begun during the reign of Henry VIII. Today it appears on TV screens across the globe when it is used as the venue for an occasion such as a royal wedding.

17 British monarchs are buried at the abbey and since 1066 it has been the official coronation church. This gothic style structure is at the centre of London life both literally and metaphorically, with services taking place daily. 

As well as past kings and queens, the abbey is the final resting place of over 3,000 notable British figures. There are regular special events, daily services of worship and a respected research library on site. 

Purchase your entrance ticket for Westminster Abbey here.

Big Ben

  • Address: Palace of Westminster, London SW1A 0AA
  • Cost of entry: Standard adult guided tour £28

The Palace of Westminster is home to the British government’s House of Commons and House of Lords. You can also find the famous Big Ben tower in London here, with its iconic and recently renovated clock face.

Some visitors like to take the walk from London Bridge to Big Ben, which takes around 15 minutes. This takes you past the City of London, one of the planet’s most important financial centres, and along the River Thames.

Guided or multimedia tours should be booked in advance as capacity is limited. The tour is delivered in English and takes you through what happens in Parliament in addition to the rich history of the building itself. 

Tour options with Take Walks include a Behind the Scenes Parliament Tour which is a fully guided tour at closing time.

London Eye

  • Address:  Riverside Building, County Hall, London SE1 7PB
  • Nearest tube station: Waterloo
  • Cost of entry: Standard adult £33.50
  • How much time to allow: 30 minutes plus waiting, boarding & disembarking

The London Eye is the UK’s number one paid tourist attraction, so it’s one of the most highly regarded of all the famous places in London. This is because your 30-minute ‘flight’ gives you an incomparable birds-eye perspective over the city, as well as a sense of scale.

Many classic and modern London landmarks can be spied from your transparent compartment as you hover over the Thames. It moves slowly, so there’s plenty of time to capture what you want on camera while soaking up the magnificent views.

Around 3 million people per year take a trip on the London Eye, so book in advance if you’d like to join them. You can find out all about the options in this dedicated and in-depth London Eye guide . 

Read – Guide to visiting the London Eye (tips, tickets and tour options)

St Paul's Cathedral

  • Address: St Paul’s Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD
  • Nearest tube stations: St Paul’s
  • Cost of entry: Standard adult £21
  • How much time to allow: 2 hours

With its iconic dome, St Paul’s is set at the City of London’s highest point. So as well as being one of the most famous places in London to visit, it also gives visitors sweeping views over the surrounding skyline. 

This Anglican cathedral is the seat of the Bishop of London and to visit is to follow in the footsteps of royalty, political leaders and other dignitaries. The dome was designed by Christopher Wren, and the present house of worship is the fifth church to stand on the site. 

While the current structure dates back to the 17th and 18th centuries, there have been churches on this site since 604 AD. During your visit ( purchase your ticket here ) you can climb up to the Whispering Gallery inside the dome to witness the unique acoustics, look for famous names down in the Crypt or take in the views from the Golden and Stone Galleries. 

Tower of London.

  • Address: London EC3N 4AB
  • Nearest tube station: Tower Hill 
  • Cost of entry: Standard adult £29.90
  • How much time to allow: 3 hours+

The Tower of London is one of the most historical landmarks in London and exploring within is an experience few want to miss. This is why we’ve written a comprehensive Tower of London guide , where you can find out more. 

  London’s Tower Bridge is one of the most famous sights in the city and simply by visiting the Tower you’ll get to see it at close quarters, as the Tower stands right by the Bridge on the banks of the Thames. 

There’s lots to see at the Tower of London, including the ‘Beefeaters’ in their famous uniform, the Crown Jewels , the ancient buildings, the Fusilier Museum, sets of armour and the Tower’s resident ravens. Make sure you allow at least a full morning or afternoon; longer is ideal if you can spare more time. 

Read more – Practical guide to visiting the Tower of London

🎡 London Eye – Ride with fantastic views over London. (Skip-the-line tickets available)

🏙 The Shard – The tallest building in the UK with commanding views over London.

⛪️ Westminster Abbey – Gothic abbey where coronations and royal weddings are held.

💎 Tower of London – Infamous prison and mighty fortress. The Crown Jewels are on display too.

⚔ Madame Tussauds – Get up close and personal with over 250 waxworks of famous people.

⛓ London Dungeon – Enjoy a recreation of some of London’s goriest and macabre historical events.

🐧 London Zoo – World’s oldest scientific zoo and a popular attraction for families.

👑 Hampton Court Palace – King Henry VIII’s favourite palace.

Tower Bridge

  • Address: Tower Bridge Rd, London SE1 2UP
  • Cost of entry: Standard adult £10.60
  • How much time to allow: 1 hour+

If your visit to the Tower of London has whetted your appetite for seeing more of Tower Bridge, then you may wish to explore this London landmark more thoroughly. It’s a Grade I listed building dating from 1894, when it opened after 8 years of construction.

Tower Bridge is known as a suspension and ‘bascule’ bridge, which refers to the fact that it’s moveable. This is because two sides open up to allow taller river traffic to pass beneath. It’s the capital’s only bascule bridge and was one of the first anywhere to be powered by hydraulics.

At Tower Bridge you can take in panoramic views over the city from the glass-walled walkway and explore the exhibits displayed in the original Victorian engine rooms. On a clear day, you may even make out Wembley Stadium in the distance, and the views of The Shard and St Paul’s Cathedral are pretty impressive. 

Tip – Purchase early entry tickets for the Tower of London and London Bridge and avoid the crowds.

Hyde Park in London with people enjoying the summer and sailing on the lake.

  • Address: London W2 2UH
  • Nearest tube station: Hyde Park Corner
  • Cost of entry: Free
  • How much time to allow: 2 hours+ 
  • Opening dates & times: 05:00 to midnight daily

Whether you want to escape the crowds or tick the likes of The Serpentine off your London landmarks list, a visit to Hyde Park is a must for many visitors. It’s one of 8 Royal Parks in the city and is one of the finest green spaces to be found in any city on earth.

The park occupies a 350 acre site and highlights include the memorial statue dedicated to Diana, Princess of Wales, a lovely rose garden and The Serpentine, a popular open water swimming spot for Londoners.  

Hyde Park has long been associated with freedom of speech, and seeing the latest airing of views at Speaker’s Corner can be fascinating. If the weather is kind, take a picnic when you visit so you can kick back and relax by the water in this most majestic of inner city parks. 

Kensington Palace

  • Address: Kensington Gardens, London W8 4PX
  • Nearest tube station: High Street Kensington or Queensway
  • Cost of entry: Standard adult £16
  • How much time to allow: 1.5 to 2 hours+ 

Kensington Palace was in some ways the predecessor to Buckingham Palace, as it was the favoured royal residence until 1760. Queen Victoria was born here and the public left masses of floral tributes to Princess Diana outside the palace following her death. 

Now, Kensington Palace is home to her son Prince Willam, his wife Kate and their children as well as several other members of the Royal Family. Despite the grandeur, this palace has a more relaxed, intimate feel than the more imposing Buckingham Palace.

Things to see when visiting include themed exhibitions, the King’s and Queen’s state apartments, the story of Queen Victoria and the Jewel Room. Outdoors, Kensington Palace Gardens are also delightful and can be explored without you needing to purchase a ticket. 

Alternatively, why not purchase a tour of the gardens with Royal high tea and make an afternoon of your visit!

Piccadilly Circus

  • Address: London W1J 9LL
  • Nearest tube station: Piccadilly Circus
  • How much time to allow: 1 hour+ 
  • Opening dates & times: Public outdoor space

Piccadilly Circus is the British answer to New York’s Times Square. The ‘circus’ part of the name stems from the fact that the road junction is circular, and it was originally created to connect Piccadilly with Regent Street, one of London’s busiest shopping streets. 

The huge advertising screens and the statue of Eros are the most famous sights to see at Piccadilly Circus, while nearby areas to explore include Leicester Square and Shaftesbury Avenue as well as Regent Street.

Shaftesbury Avenue is home to some of London’s leading theatres, while Leicester Square is famous for hosting many movie premieres. Chinatown can also be found on and around Gerrard Street – a great place to go if you crave some dim sum during your stay!

Trafalgar Square

  • Address: London WC2N 5DN
  • Nearest tube station: Charing Cross

When it comes to top London landmarks that can be found outdoors and where you’re free to wander at will, Trafalgar Square is one of the finest. This public square is home to some of the best City of London landmarks, including the fountains, the lion statues and Nelson’s Column.

Trafalgar Square is also known among Londoners as a site of protest, and often plays host to religious, political or social demonstrations. Since the summer of 2003, the square has been connected to the National Gallery via a pedestrianised area. A disabled access lift was also added then.

Nelson’s Column was built to commemorate Lord Nelson, who died aboard HMS Victory despite contributing to Britain’s 1805 win at the Battle of Trafalgar. The square is also close to The Strand, Whitehall, The Mall and London’s theatre district. 

British Museum

  • Address: Great Russell St, London WC1B 3DG
  • Nearest tube station: Holborn or Tottenham Court Road
  • How much time to allow: 3 – 4 hours

If you only have time for one museum while in London, add the British Museum to your list of London’s most famous places to explore. Located in genteel Bloomsbury , the museum houses a collection of around 8 million exhibits, and tells the story of human history as well as mankind’s artistic and cultural developments. 

We advise allowing a full morning or afternoon for your visit, as there’s so much to see. Witnessing all these historical sights in London is also free of charge, though you may pay for a guided tour or to see specific exhibitions.

With the dramatic stone columns marking the entrance, this is the oldest national museum in the world. In fact it opened in 1759, 17 years prior to the US Declaration of Independence. The museum once had its own tube station, and was also one of the first buildings to use electric lighting. 

Covent Garden

  • Address: London, SW8 5BH
  • Nearest tube station: Covent Garden 
  • How much time to allow: As long as you like
  • Opening dates & times: Always open

Covent Garden is popular with locals and visitors alike. This appealing part of the city lies close to Theatreland and is home to a covered market, street entertainers and pedestrianised streets plus lots of shops, pubs and restaurants.

It’s best not to have too much of a plan in mind when visiting Covent Garden – simply wander around, dip in and out of the shops, stroll through the market, watch the entertainers and stop for a pint at the Punch and Judy, a cosy 18th century pub on Henrietta Street.

The light-filled market with its characteristic glass ceilings still bears the original ‘Apple Market’ sign, dating back to the times when fruit and vegetables were sold here. On Mondays the space is devoted to collectable and antique items, while between Tuesday and Sunday clothing, jewellery, arts and crafts are sold. 

The Shard a famous London landmark

  • Address: 32 London Bridge St, London SE1 9SG
  • Nearest tube station: London Bridge
  • Cost of entry: Standard adult from £25
  • How much time to allow: 1 – 2 hours+

Taking a trip up inside The Shard is one of the best things to do in London at night or during the day. Open since early 2013, it has rapidly become one of the most recognisable landmarks on the city skyline. 

You can travel up to the 72nd floor of The Shard to take in magnificent, sweeping views of the London cityscape from this contemporary skyscraper on the banks of the Thames. Inside the space is divided between offices, apartments and a hotel. There are viewing platforms on the 69th and 72nd floors, the highest being open-air.

A number of restaurants and bars can also be found at The Shard, so you may wish to allow longer for your visit if you want to dine or drink cocktails there. The Sky Lounge is in the Shangri-La hotel, while other options include eateries showcasing modern British and northern Chinese cuisine. 

Globe Theatre at night

  • Address: 21 New Globe Walk, London SE1 9DT
  • Nearest tube station: Blackfriars 
  • Cost of entry: Standard adult guided tour £17
  • How much time to allow: Varies

As playwright William Shakespeare’s birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon is one of the other most famous places in England. London, though, is home to the reconstruction of his Globe Theatre, and it has become one of the most popular landmarks in London since it opened in 1997.

The Globe is also close to the Southbank and the Millenium Bridge, so it’s simple to visit several sites at the same time. As an open air theatre, performances do go ahead whatever the weather, so do dress appropriately if you have tickets.

If you’re not attending a play you can book a guided tour if you want to see inside the theatre. These can be booked directly or via third parties such as London Theatre Direct . 

Wembley Stadium

  • Address: London HA9 0WS
  • Nearest tube station: Wembley Park
  • Cost of entry: Standard adult guided tour £22

Although it’s a little way out of town, Wembley Stadium is one of the most iconic London England landmarks, and for football or even music fans it’s not one to miss. 

You can either book a guided tour of Wembley Stadium , or if you plan carefully you might even be able to see your favourite team, artist or band play at this famous venue. Football is often the focus, but there are other sporting options too.

Construction began on the current stadium in 2002, and the arch can sometimes be seen from various elevated viewpoints in central London. The reimagined Wembley stadium opened in 2007, over 40 years after England’s sole World Cup victory here in 1966.

The Gherkin London

  • Address: 30 St Mary Axe, London EC3A 8BF
  • Nearest tube station: Aldgate
  • Cost of entry: Varies

Along with The Shard, the Gherkin (or 30 St Mary Axe as it’s officially known) is one of London’s most familiar skyscrapers. It opened in 2004, and cost several hundred million to build once the land price was factored in.

The best way to get inside The Gherkin is to book a table at the restaurant and bar that occupies the top floors of the tower. It’s called Searcy’s and includes the Helix restaurant and the Iris bar. 

Dress up in anything but flip flops, sportswear or shorts, and you can dine or drink while enjoying one of the UK capital’s finest views. Modern European style dishes are served, or you can book in for afternoon tea or Sunday lunch. 

Millennium Bridge a famous London landmark

  • Address: Thames Embankment, London 
  • Nearest tube station: Blackfriars
  • How much time to allow: 15 minutes +

At a cost of over 18 million pounds sterling (about 24 million US dollars), the Millenium Bridge was a pricey project to complete. It spans the Thames, and is currently one of 6 Millenium Bridges in the UK alone. There are others in Newcastle-Gateshead, Salford, Stockton-on-Tees, Lancaster, York and Glasgow, as well in various locations worldwide.

The bridge is close to the London Eye, between the Blackfriars and Southwark bridges. It only takes around 5 minutes to walk across, but as there are interesting sights nearby you may want to take your time. Plus you want to make the most of those incredible views! (You may also recognise the bridge as it was used as a filming location in one of the Harry Potter movies – do you know which one ?

A competition was held in 1996 to find a design for the new bridge, and the winner was made into the resulting structure. Colloquially it’s often referred to as the ‘Wobbly Bridge’, and engineers addressed this initial problem by various kinds of shock-absorbing dampers.

Monument to the Fire of London

  • Address: Fish Street Hill, London EC3R 8AH
  • Nearest tube station: Monument or London Bridge
  • How much time to allow: 30 minutes +

It has a tube station named after it and marks one of London’s worst disasters ever seen – yes, it’s the Monument to the Great Fire of London. Found near the northern end of London Bridge, it’s positioned on the corner where Fish Street Hill meets Monument Street.

Like the St Paul’s Cathedral dome, the Monument was designed by Christopher Wren. In 2007, it closed for 18 months to allow for a period of repair and restoration. This included gold leaf being added to the structure’s copper orb. 

The Monument is located around 200 feet from where the Great Fire of London began at a bakery in Pudding Lane in 1666. It comprises a fluted column made from Portland stone, and an inside staircase with over 300 steps leads to the viewing platform at the top. 

Royal Observatory Greenwich

  • Address: Blackheath Ave, London SE10 8XJ
  • Nearest tube station: Greenwich
  • Cost of entry: £16
  • How much time to allow: 1.5 to 2 hours

Note – Greenwich Royal Observatory is closed for refurbishment until 31st March 2022.

Located to the south of the River Thames, Greenwich is home to a UNESCO World Heritage SIte that also includes the National Maritime Museum, the Cutty Sark and the Queen’s House. 

In 1884, Greenwich Meridian was selected as the site that would effectively set the time for the entire world. The Royal Observatory lies at longitude 0° 0′ 0”, and as such is the planet’s Prime Meridian , marking the divide between the two hemispheres.

By standing on the Meridian Line, you can have one foot in the eastern hemisphere and one in the west – even if only for a moment. The Royal Observatory also houses a planetarium, and there are regular scientific and astronomic demonstrations led by experts. Don’t miss the Great Equatorial Telescope, either; it’s one of the biggest anywhere and you can clearly see its ‘onion dome’ from Greenwich Park. 

Tip – If you plan to visit Greenwich don’t miss the Tulip Stairs In the Queen’s House or the Painted Gallery in the Old Royal Navy Collge.

Read more – Best things to see and do in Greenwich (One day Greenwich itinerary)

Hampton Court Palace in London

  • Address: Hampton Court Way, Molesey, East Molesey KT8 9AU
  • Nearest train station: Hampton Court (mainline)
  • Cost of entry: £25.30

As one of London’s Historic Royal Palaces, Hampton Court is located a little way out of London, in leafy Surrey. The train journey from Waterloo takes just over half an hour, so it’s easy to get to this slightly lesser known of London’s most famous landmarks.

  The glorious gardens are every bit as impressive as the interior, and are home to the Hampton Court Palace maze. This is very well known and is the oldest hedge maze found in the UK today. It takes up a third of an acre and it is thought to have been commissioned by William III. Other highlights of the gardens include the Magic Garden which is great for kids, the Royal Kitchen Garden and the Great Vine in the glasshouse.

Inside the palace, you can see Henry VIII’s kitchens, the Great Hall, William III’s apartments, the Cumberland Art Gallery, the Chapel Royal and more.

Click here to purchase a Hampton Court Palace and Garden Entrance Ticket

MBNA Thames clipper on the River Thames

  • Address: N/A
  • Nearest train station: Westminster
  • Cost of entry: Free 

The River Thames makes any aerial view of London instantly recognisable due to the distinctive shape it creates as it meanders through the city. The river’s banks are also home to various attractions, including some of the top 10 London landmarks like the London Eye.

A series of bridges spans the Thames and some of these are also famous sights of London in their own right – not least Tower Bridge and the Millenium Bridge, detailed above. 

There are various ways to see the best of the Thames. You can take the tube to a location such as Westminster and wander along the Embankment on the northern side, or stroll around the Southbank area on the other side of the water.

Visiting other central London landmarks such as The Shard may also give you the chance to see the Thames, or you can take a trip on the London Eye to be suspended over the water while gazing at the city.

The way we recommend seeing the Thames is from the water, which you can do by booking a river cruise. If this interests you, read our guide to the top 20 London river cruises to find out more. 

Read – 21 Best Thames river cruises and boat trips

Map of London landmarks

As we’ve discovered, there are many famous places in London, England that you really won’t want to miss when you visit. From the dizzy heights of The Shard or the London Eye to putting one foot into both of the world’s hemispheres, make sure you leave enough time to see the most famous London landmarks when putting together your London itinerary and bucket list !

Which are the best London landmarks for you to focus on will depend very much on your interests and preferences – as well as your timings and budget. If you want to know more, why not take a look at our top tips for first-time visitors to London ? 

These London posts were written to help you plan your trip:

  • London Travel Guide – step by step guide to planning your London trip.
  • Where to stay in London – guide to each of London’s neighbourhoods so you choose the right area for your budget and travel style.
  • Budget London guide – how to save money when visiting London
  • Essential tips for first time visitors to London
  • 31 free things to do in London
  • London itinerary planner and bucket list
  • 7 beautiful English castles to visit near London
  • 29 things to do in London in spring
  • 9 red London phone booths for that iconic photo

London Travel Guide and itinerary planner.

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What to Do in London

22 attractions you shouldn't miss.

Latest update: August 23, 2023

In a nutshell: 5 tips for staying in London

  • Big Ben, Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s Cathedral and The Shard are some of the absolute highlights of London .
  • While in London, you should visit at least one market. Our highlight: Borough Market !
  • Free admission to museums : not a problem at London’s Tate Modern or British Museum.
  • Walk in the footsteps of Harry Potter through real sets at Warner Bros. Studios.

These were our top highlights in London . But of course, that’s not all!

In our article we will show you 22 cool London sights sorted by category: You can just have a look at what is really interesting for you.

Map of our 22 London attractions

To start off and give you a better sense of all the London sights in this post, we made a map of our 22 highlights below.

Click here to download the map in PDF format

Map of London

London attractions for first-timers

You are visiting London for the first time and obviously want to check out the most popular London highlights . We put the must-sees for you in two lists. The London attractions with a camera icon are among the highlights, but a short photo stop is enough here. The other the attractions are also worth checking out from the inside. Therefore, we will describe them in more detail.

These London highlights will be described in more detail:

Tower Bridge

Tower of london, westminster abbey.

  • St. Paul’s Cathedral

Buckingham Palace

London attractions for a quick photo stop:

Big Ben Houses of Parliament Downing Street Windsor Castle

Tower Bridge

You should plan 1 hour

Tower Bridge is, without a doubt, one of the most famous bridges in the world . 40,000 vehicles cross the bridge every day and it is lifted several times daily to let ships pass through. Read more about the exact Bridge Lift times here .

Nine meters above the Thames is a free walkway. 42 meters up, there is another walkway with a glass floor – pretty cool, but only if you’re not afraid of heights.

You will need a ticket for the glass floor and the Bridge Museum.

Get tickets for Tower Bridge

Tower of London

You should plan 1.5 hours

The Tower of London is especially famous for the Royal Family’s Crown Jewels , estimated at over 20 billion pounds, which are kept there.

The Tower’s history is equally interesting though: it has served as an armory, prison, execution site and even a royal residence .

Pre-purchasing tickets online is recommended, as the lines at the door are always very long .

Get tickets for the Tower of London

To the website

Westminster Abbey in London

Only a short walk from the Palace of Westminster is the 700-year-old church Westminster Abbey. This is where the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II and the wedding of Kate and William took place.

As you stroll around the gravestones in the cemetery, you’ll find many famous names from British history, such as Charles Darwin.

If you pre-purchase your tickets online they are a little cheaper.

Get tickets for Westminster Abbey

closed on Sundays (open for church services)

St. Paul’s Cathedral

St. Paul’s Cathedral

St. Paul’s is a defining feature of London’s skyline and is located in the heart of the City. The cathedral’s huge dome is even bigger than that of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome . The entire structure is absolutely beautiful, not just the architecture, but also the paintings and exhibitions .

If you can stomach climbing more than 500 steps up the spiral staircase to the top of the cathedral, a breathtaking view of London awaits you from a height of about 111 meters.

We recommend booking your tickets online in advance. The lines at the tickets booths can take forever, especially on weekends and during the peak season.

Tickets for St. Paul’s Cathedral Combined Ticket Westminster Abbey and St. Paul’s Cathedral (5% discount)

Photo of Buckingham Palace with the striking red tulip garden in the foreground cleverly obscuring the throngs of tourists.

You should plan 1 hour (for the Changing of the Guard)

Nothing represents British history better than the Royal Family. So of course a visit to Buckingham Palace is an absolute must when you’re in London. The Palace is the official residence of the British Royal Family .

You can watch the Changing of the Guard at the Palace all year round. The spectacle takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. It always starts at 11 am, but you should get there by 10:30 am to get a good view.

Note: You can only visit the royal chambers between July and October. Make sure to secure your tickets well in advance online.

Get tickets for the Buckingham Palace

Open between July and October

The Shard

The Shard really lives up to its name, jutting out of the ground like a piece of shattered glass. For a brief period, the 310-meter skyscraper even held the title of tallest building in Europe upon completion in 2012.

Its 72 floors include offices, apartments, restaurants, stores, and a 5-star hotel. The viewing platforms on the 69th and 72nd floors offer fantastic views over London.

It’s quite a bit cheaper to buy tickets online in advance than on site, but you’ll still have to wait in line to exchange your online ticket for a physical one. We recommend that you avoid visiting on weekends when the lines are particularly long.

Get tickets for The Shard

Several floors offer Michelin-star cuisine and great cocktails as well as an amazing view of London. You don’t have to pay admission here, but of course the food and drinks cost a pretty penny. You can also book a hotel room at the Shangri-La Hotel.  It offers luxury rooms with a spectacular view.

Current room rates at the Shangri-La Hotel at The Shard

Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays in winter

London Eye

It’s the tallest Ferris wheel in Europe at 135 meters , and the view is fantastic. However, if you have to choose between the London Eye and The Shard, we would recommend The Shard.

It’s a good idea to book your tickets online in advance , as they’re 10 percent cheaper that way. You can choose between a standard ticket and a fast track ticket when you book your ride. The fast track ticket grants you preferred entry to the Ferris wheel through a special entrance so you don’t have to wait in line.

Get tickets for the London Eye

Big Ben & Houses of Parliament: More London highlights for first-timers

These attractions are in every travel guide and cannot missed on our list. You can visit these for the perfect London snapshot:

Big Ben

London attractions for culture lovers

You love museums, can really lose yourself in art or like to stroll through theater districts? Perfect! In this section you will find the most exciting museums in London and other attractions for real culture lovers.

Our culture highlights in London at a glance:

  • Tate Modern / Tate Britain

British Museum

National gallery, covent garden, notting hill, tate modern and tate britain.

Tate Modern

You should plan 3 hours

Two of our favorite museums in London are Tate Modern and Tate Britain. While Tate Britain primarily shows British artists from the Tudor period to British Modernism , Tate Modern features art and architecture by modern artists from around the world .

Tate Britain and Tate Modern are two of the most important art museums in London. In Tate Britain you can find art from the Tudor period to British Modernism , Tate Modern features art and architecture by modern artists from around the world . Tate Modern will appeal to you even if you’re not really into art in general.

The buildings’ architecture alone is stunning and can turn a rainy day in London into a unique experience. The 10th floor of Tate Modern also offers a great view of the city.

And here’s the best part: Both museums are completely free to visit !

Our tip: “Tate Lates”. Visit the Tates at night, accompanied by music and a bite to eat. Late at Tate is a regular event that takes place every first Friday of the month at Tate Britain and every last Friday of the month at Tate Modern.

British Museum

You should plan 2 hours

The British Museum is a world-renowned museum of cultural history and has accumulated some of the most important sculptures, antiquities, and architectural works in human history.

There’s so much to see at the British Museum that it’s impossible to take in everything at once, even if you spend the whole day.

Visiting the museum is free , but you’re encouraged to make a donation. Only special exhibits and events charge admission.

Guided tour of the British Museum

Photo of the National Gallery on Trafalgar Square in the evening, with a statue of a merman in the foreground, the brightly lit building reflected in the fountain.

The National Gallery is an art museum located directly on Trafalgar Square in the city center. It’s one of the most significant and largest portrait galleries in the world with a collection of more than 2,300 artworks from the 13th through the 19th century.

The collection includes portraits of Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet, and Leonardo da Vinci, among many others. Admission to the National Gallery is free .

Our tip: Trafalgar Square is a wonderful spot to take a break from all the sightseeing. Its two fountains at the center are magnificent and the surrounding area is perfect for picnics, especially in the summer.

Guided tour of the National Gallery

Covent Garden Market

Covent Garden is a theatre and entertainment district in the West End. People often only associate the historic Apple Market on the car-free square with the name Covent Garden, but the area has so much more to offer.

The London Museum of Transport, the Royal Opera House, the London Film Museum, and Seven Dials are just a few worthwhile attractions in the neighborhood. And aside from all the museums and theaters, the Apple Market is one of the most beautiful photo spots in London.

Its elegant halls are the perfect place for a leisurely shopping stroll. The many singers and street performers are what make the market so special.

Notting Hill

You should plan 2 – 4 hours

Notting Hill is definitely one of the most photogenic parts of the city . Or instagrammable , as our younger readers might say. The neighborhood is known from numerous films such as the eponymous rom-com starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant.

The streets of Notting Hill are characterized by colorful houses and flowers .

The market on Portobello Road is one of the most beautiful markets in London, replete with second-hand fashion, antiques, and wares of all shapes and sizes. The main market opens on Fridays and Saturdays.

The annual Notting Hill Carnival takes place in August. Europe’s largest street festival offers a spectacular parade with a wide variety of colorful characters.

Guided walking tour through Notting Hill

Attractions for London experts

Have you been to London before? These London attractions are great for a second or third visit .

London insider tips that are worth visiting:

Borough Market

Brick lane market.

Our tip for London connoisseurs who have plenty of time:

  • Street Art in London

Chinatown London

The first Chinese restaurants set up shop in London in the 1950s. Today, you’ll feel as if you’ve been swept away to the Far East. Chinese characters, dragons, lanterns and the smell of fried duck are everywhere. Even the street signs in Chinatown are bilingual.

Chinatown is a little culture shock. You can eat delicious Asian food here or stock up on typical Asian products in the stores.

Our tip: Chinatown is also the scene of many exciting events, such as the Chinese New Year celebrations. Check the Chinatown website for information on upcoming events.

Borough Market

Borough Market is a very impressive food market that’s frequently chosen as a picturesque setting for movies, such as Bridget Jones or Harry Potter.

There are more than 130 stalls selling fruit, vegetables, natural products, meat, and fish . In addition to regional products, you’ll also find delicacies from all over the world. For example, German expats in London can enjoy a taste of home in the form of German bratwurst sold here.

You can easily spend a couple of hours here, sampling from the stalls and shopping for souvenirs. The market is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. Only on Sundays it closes one hour earlier.

Our tip: Around Borough Market you’ll also find some cool London restaurants.

Closed on Sundays (only open in the run-up to Christmas)

Brick Lane Market

At Brick Lane Market in Shoreditch you can find anything from antiques to vintage fashion, art, souvenirs and of course lots of delicious street food .

The market originated in the former Old Truman Brewery , which had to close in the 80s. Today it has developed into a market with over 300 stalls , some of them covered and others are simply on the street. We particularly like the fact that Brick Lane still retains the industrial charm of old London .

Our tip: It’s best to visit Brick Lane Market on a Sunday, which is the only time the street market takes place.

Streetart in London

The Fallen Shopper by Banksy

You should plan 4 hours (for a tour)

If you already know the classic museums in London, there is still more art than the mainstream.

Especially the neighborhoods of Shoreditch and East End are full of beautiful street art. Among them are works by internationally known artists like Banksy or Shepherd Fairey.

We recommend a guided tour , because your guide knows the coolest street art in London and you don’t have to search for a long time.

Street art tour and workshop in London

London highlights for families

If you’re traveling to London with children, you probably won’t be looking for dull museums. In our list you will find the London highlights that kids will also enjoy . We will describe the first three in more detail in a bit.

These sights in London were our highlights:

  • Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studios
  • Transport Museum London

More London attractions for families:

  • Science Museum
  • Holland Park
  • Platform 9 3/4 at King’s Cross Station

The Memorial Fountain for Princess Diana in Hyde Park

You should plan 1 – 3 hours

Hyde Park is one of the public royal parks in the heart of London. With an area of 1.4 square kilometers there’s plenty of space for your kids to run around and play.

The Serpentine, a snake-shaped lake running through the middle of the park, is the perfect place to cool off in the summer. From late November through January, Hyde Park hosts the Winter Wonderland with ice skating, a Ferris wheel, and a circus – perfect for families.

Our tip: On Sundays, pay a visit to Speakers’ Corner in the northeast end of Hyde Park (near Marble Arch). Since the 19th century, speakers have been coming here to stand on boxes and speak their minds about every topic under the sun. If you’re feeling brave, why not give it a go yourself?

Warner Bros. Studios

Warner Bros. Studios

Why not apparate to Diagon Alley and get a few souvenirs from Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes ? You can – well, almost.

At Warner Bros. Studios in London, you can visit some of the original sets, such as Diagon Alley , the Great Hall at Hogwarts, and the wizarding bank Gringotts . You’ll see the actors’ costumes and some of the iconic props like Harry’s Nimbus 2000 or Hagrid’s flying motorbike .

A truly magical experience for all Harry Potter fans, both young and old.

Harry Potter Studios Tour

London Transport Museum

London Transport Museum

At the London Transport Museum in Covent Garden, your kids can explore the world of London’s transport.

There is, for example, a restored steam engine , electric trains or the typical r ed double-decker buses to discover. What kid wouldn’t want to play train conductor?

The museum also tells some really crazy stories . There is, for example, an exhibition about an underground aircraft factory in a subway tunnel.

Get tickets for the London Transport Museum

More tips for families in London

London has so many fun options to offer for families. Here are some more ideas:

Science Museum

London highlights for shopping fans

London and fashion – the two belong together. We will show you the best places to shop in London.

Our highlights for shopping in London:

Oxford Street

Camden market.

Photo of red busses on Oxford Street in London

Oxford Street is one of the most prestigious and famous shopping streets in all of Europe. It extends for 1.9 kilometers and offers everything from luxury brands to cheap knick-knacks.

Stores open daily. If you really want to do some serious shopping, try strolling down the street during the week ; it’s pretty much impossible to shop in peace on the weekends.

Our tip: The pre-Christmas season is a magical time in London, and starting in November, Oxford Street is beautifully decorated with Christmas lights. Be sure to stop by Carnaby Street, a side street off of Oxford Street, and marvel at the lights and romantic restaurants around Kingly Court.

Photo of the Historic Harrods department store in London

Harrods is the most famous department store in London. The rich and famous have been shopping at Harrods since 1834, and for a long time the department store was the official supplier to the Royal Family.

The charm of the old building will send you into a shopping frenzy. Many of the stores are luxury boutiques like Chanel, Gucci or Prada. But there are also several “normal” stores.

Our tip: If possible, don’t visit Harrods on a Saturday, as it’s particularly crowded then.

Camden Market

You should plan a whole day

Camden Market is not just any old market. There are around 1,000 stores offering anything from vintage fashion to art to street food . The atmosphere is like a trip back in time to the 70s and 80s. It is divided into three separate markets :

  • Buck Street Market , right next to the Tube station, is full of stalls selling cheap, mass-produced goods.
  • Stables Market , along Chalk Farm Road, offers alternative and vintage fashion, furniture, and second-hand items.
  • The oldest market is located directly on Regent’s Canal. Camden Lock Market offers high-quality hand-made jewelry and clothing, decorations, and the finest street food.

London for free: Our tips for those on a budget

Big Ben

Are you traveling on a budget? London is not exactly a cheap destination, but with some tricks at hand, you can visit many of London’s attractions for free.

Here are our tips for free sightseeing in London:

  • walk across Tower Bridge
  • visit a free museum like Tate Modern, Tate Britain, British Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum or the National Gallery
  • enjoy the view in the Sky Garden
  • stroll through the markets of London
  • check out some street art in East London

General tips for your visit to London

Before you get started with your trip to the top highlights in London, here are a few quick tips to help you make the most of your visit.

Ideally, you should plan at least 3 to 5 days for your city trip to London. That’s still not much for such a big city, which is why it’s important to plan well.

#1 Choosing the right place to stay

When choosing your accommodation, you should make sure that it’s in a central location . Here are three great and centrally located hotels in London.

Wilde Aparthotels : cool apartments in the bustling Covent Garden district, very close to the theater district The Montague On The Garden: super stylish boutique hotel near the British Museum, especially suitable for families and first-time visitors Treehouse Hotel London : super green hotel with a treehouse theme, close to Oxford Street

#2 Get an Oyster Card

London is huge and its must-see attractions are scattered throughout the city, so doing everything on foot is only recommended for the most ambitious exercise fanatics. For everyone else, the public transport network is excellent  and is the perfect way to get around and see the sights.

You’ll need an Oyster Card to use the public transport in London. An Oyster Card is a pre-paid travel card that you simply hold against the reader before boarding a bus or entering a Tube station. It’s incredibly convenient and easy to use. Cards are available at local outlets, such as airports and all Tube stations.

Alternatively, you can also order the card before your trip and have it conveniently delivered to your home for a small fee. That way you can feel like a local and just get on the next bus or Tube when you arrive, without the hassle of looking for a vending machine.

Order the Oyster Card online

We recommend using the Citymapper app for public transport in London. It shows you how long it’ll take you to get from A to B, how much it’ll cost, and which lines to take.

Get the Android app from the Google Play Store Get the iOS app from the Apple Store

#3 Save time and money with city passes

It may be worth buying one of the London city passes if you plan on visiting a lot of attractions that charge admission.

These discount passes grant you free admission to numerous attractions in London and save you quite a bit of money.

Another advantage is that some sights offer preferred fast track admission for pass holders. In other words, not only will you be saving money, but also a lot of time.

The following passes are available:

London Pass (includes most of the attractions) Go City’s London Explorer Pass (the most flexible pass) Merlin Magical London 5-in-1-Pass (a good choice for families with children)

#4 Explore London with a guided tour

If you’re visiting London for the first time or want to explore a whole other side of the city, a guided tour is a great idea.

There’s a huge range of city tours in London to suit all tastes.

Here are three cool tours, that can be booked directly online:

Bike tour through London Boat cruise on the Thames including lunch Harry Potter-themed tour

What are your London highlights?

That wraps up our list of the 22 must-see sights and attractions in London. Have you ever been to London? Which attractions in London were your absolute favorites? Tell us all about them in the comments. We look forward to hearing from you!

map of london places to visit

London Map: Tourist Attractions & Informative Guide (Free PDF Maps)

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Looking for the best London tourist maps?

Getting around London – one of the world’s largest, busiest and most touristy cities, can be a challenge for any visitor looking to make the perfect trip that covers all of the highlights.

Where do you begin? Do you use the underground, buses, or perhaps the black cabs? And what maps will you need?

Here I have compiled a collection of various detailed and informative maps of London to help guide you around this historic city, and provide you with a plethora of all the information you need about traveling around London.

From high resolution, detailed prints to simple transport zone / route maps, printable PDFs to vintage Victorian era maps, plus illustrations I designed myself that give a great visual to the city, all of these maps are free to download and use – whether printed or from mobile.

Planning your trip? Use my favorite resources!

🏨 Accommodation: I recommend Booking.com ✈️ Flights: for the cheapest flights, I use Skyscanner 🚗 Rental Car: I recommend Discover Cars 🛡️ Travel Insurance: for the best deals I rely on SafetyWing

Table of Contents

london maps pin

If you enjoyed this post, share it on Pinterest so your followers can enjoy it too!

London Infographic

There’s walking guide maps to the key bus routes, the Underground and Overground networks and the river service, there’s maps for them all.

Need a map of all the toilets and baby-changing facilities? I’ve got you covered for that too.

Did you know: London is the smallest city in England! Technically speaking, the City of London is just one square mile in size. Greater London, on the other hand, is 606 square miles.

For more incredible facts about London, here’s 47 Curious Facts about London

London Maps: Tourist Attractions, Informative Guides

A collection of various Free London map PDFs. Including central London map, street map of London, restroom facilities, top attractions maps, and more.

Interactive Central London Map – Google

Check out the interactive map below to see 20 of the most popular and iconic landmarks and attractions across the city of London, including World Heritage Sites, event venues, museums and palaces.

Illustrated London Map with Attractions

Here’s a detailed illustration map I designed of London, featuring the major landmarks, icons, parks, and famous streets, to help give a visual guide of the city in general.

Central London Map

Read More: Here’s my Complete Guide to the London Dungeons

London Map Tube (The London Underground)

The complete map of London’s Underground and Overground rail networks, as well as the zones that each station sits in. If you use the Oyster card for getting around London, the stations you can travel to will depend on which zones you selected. If you chose the Zones 1-5 option, you’ll easily cover the entirety of central London.

You can download a high quality printable PDF here:

🏛️ Top Historical Tours in London

  • Explore London’s oldest neighborhood on this Historic London City Walking Tour with a guide
  • Visit traditional London pubs and learn more about them: Historical Pub Walking Tour of London with a guide

tube map

London Street Map – Walking Guide

Detailed map of central London’s streets and roads for those doing walking tours around London. Download the free PDF here:

london-walking-map

➤ Related post: Here’s my guide to all the Top day trips from London

Central London Map of Bus Routes

A map of all the key bus routes in central London, covering all the major landmarks and attractions. Download the full printable PDF here:

bus routes

🏰 Enjoy London’s Palaces

  • Buckingham Palace Entrance Ticket with Royal London Walking Tour
  • Westminster and Buckingham private walking tour
  • Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle tour from London
  • Buckingham Palace Entrance ticket & Changing of the Guard Walking Tour

Hop-on Hop-off Detailed Map of London

A visual map of the the Big Bus London tour operator’s routes around central London, you can decide which of the routes you’d like to go on if you fancy the scenic, open-top double decker tour of London’s top attractions.

Download the free PDF here:

big_bus_london

Tourist Map of Central London

Now here’s a sightseeing map with labels of all the major attractions across Central London, courtesy of On The World Map. You can download the free PDF here:

london-sightseeing-map

🚶🏽‍♂️ Explore London with the tours below!

  • See the most popular landmarks of both the City of London and Westminster Ultimate London Sightseeing Walking Tour with a local guide
  • Explore the local streets and go off the beaten path: Hidden London Walking Tour with a local guide
  • Step back in time while discovering the local streets on this Secret Old London Guided Walking Tour

London Foodie Map

Here’s a map of some of the top restaurants across Central London, of varying budget ranges, also courtesy of On The World Map. You can download the free PDF here:

london-foodie-map

🥘 Immerse yourself in a culinary world of London

  • Enjoy the Food and Drink Walking Tours in West London’s Notting Hill Area
  • Learn more about traditional English food and culture: Traditional English Food Tasting Walking Tour in London

London Hotels with King size (and super King size) beds

Here’s an interactive map of 10 of the best hotels in London with king size and super king size beds available, perfect for very tall people (or those who want extra space). Click on the button below the map to go to the Booking site and type in your preferred hotel name.

London River Thames Services Map

A map of all the routes for the river bus, tour boat and ferry services along the River Thames in the London area. Download the free PDF here:

river thames services

London City Map: Underground Toilets and Baby Changing Facilities

This map covers every toilet and baby-changing facility at underground stations in London, so when nature calls – you’ll never have to worry when you’re safe in the knowledge of your nearest facility. Download the free PDF here:

toilets-map copy

Google Map: Top 10 Budget Restaurants in London

This interactive map shows the top 10 best places to eat in central London on a budget, based off 5-star reviews and popularity on Tripadvisor (as of 2020). You can zoom in and out of the map and click on the markers to see the restaurant name and address on Google maps.

Google Map: Top 10 Independent Cafes in London

Now here’s an interactive map of the top 10 best budget independent cafes across central London, based off 5-star reviews and popularity on Tripadvisor (as of 2023).

Vintage Street Map of London:

For history buffs and fans of vintage / old style maps, here’s a map from the Victorian era – Bacon’s central London map, circa 1885. Click here to download the free PDF.

Bacon Map London 1885

🏨 Where to Stay in London

  • Best Budget option: Private Double EnSuite in London (double room, private bathroom) – Exceptional 9.7
  • Best Luxury option: St. Ermin’s Hotel, Autograph Collection (Guest Room, King Bed) – Superb 9.1

General Information about London

Area: 607 square miles (1,572km squared) Weather: 9C (winter), 27C (summer) Population: 8.9 million (1st in UK) Time Zone: UTC (Greenwich Mean Time), UTC+1 (British Summer Time) Founded: 50AD ( Londinium , founded by the Romans) International Airports: Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW), City (LCY), Stansted (STN), Luton (LTN)

Download your FREE 20-page Travel Planner Guide

And get access to all my best budget travel tips, checklists, additional freebies, and more.

Printable Travel Planner Guide

Day Tours and Activities in London

Below is a selection of some of the most popular activities and day trips happening in London, courtesy of Get Your Guide – feel free to click on any that interest you (and remember – if you change your mind, you can cancel at anytime).

London Maps FAQs:

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about London Maps:

Which London attractions are close together?

London attractions that are close together include Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and Big Ben, which are conveniently located next to each other near Westminster tube station. Additionally, a short walk away are 10 Downing Street and Buckingham Palace. County Hall, home to the London Eye, is also nearby.

Which London attractions are free?

There are several free attractions in London, including the British Museum, where you can explore artifacts from around the world. The National Gallery houses an impressive collection of art and offers free admission to its permanent collections. Other free attractions include Tate Modern, Kensington Gardens, and Buckingham Palace Changing of the Guard ceremony.

What is the best map to use in London?

For navigating London, Google Maps is considered the best option, though there are also various other maps available. The Visit London website offers free downloadable maps and guides, including Tube and DLR maps. The central London bus map is also recommended for its geographically displayed tube stations and places of interest.

What is the number one attraction in London?

Buckingham Palace and the Changing of the Guard is perhaps the greatest attraction in London. One of Britain’s most iconic buildings, Buckingham Palace is also the scene of the Changing of the Guard – admired by militaries the world over as the finest display of pomp and circumstance.

What should I see in London?

In London, there are several attractions worth seeing. Some popular sights include Regent’s Park with its Open Air Theatre and London Zoo. Other must-see places include the city’s graveyards, parks, and monuments, with Highgate Cemetery being notable for housing the remains of Karl Marx and others.

How many towns are there in London?

London does not have towns in the traditional sense. Instead, it is divided into areas and boroughs. The city of London is administered by the Greater London Authority and the City of London Corporation, along with 32 London boroughs.

What counts as central London?

Central London refers to the innermost part of London, England, encompassing several boroughs. Its definition can vary, but it generally includes areas with a high population density, significant commercial activity, iconic landmarks, and high land values. The precise boundaries and definitions may vary depending on the context.

London & UK Travel Resources:

For more essential UK travel guide information, check out these articles:

✪ Ultimate Packing List for the UK (+ Free Checklist) ✪ 28 Memorable Things to Do in the West Midlands ✪ 47 Interesting Facts About London You Probably Didn’t Know ✪ 10 Best Things to Do in Bath, England ✪ Cockney Rhyming Slang: A Traveler’s Guide ✪ Where to stay in London for first time Visitors ✪ Best Locations to Go Paddleboarding in London

Related Posts: UK Travel

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Thank you for reading my post: London Map: Tourist Attractions & Informative Guide (Free PDF Maps) . I hope you found this post useful!

map of london places to visit

Billy Read is the owner and author of BRB Gone Somewhere Epic, a travel blog that helps travelers discover unique destinations and travel experiences on a budget. With more than 10 years of global travel filled with accidents, Billy aims to help readers avoid making the same mistakes as he did, and make the most of their epic trips.

London printable map of top tourist attractions & city travel guide

London city centre free travel guide - must-see sights & best destinations to visit - london top tourist attractions map.

London city centre free travel guide must see sights best destinations visits London Top tourist attractions map

Maps of best attractions in London, UK

London maps will guide you to the best destinations in the city. London is very easy for visitors to find their way around, largely doe to an excellent tube (metro) and bus transportation system. London's top sights, plus hotels, restaurants, and many of the city’s key landmarks are plotted on our detailed city plans. Public transportation points (metro subway & trains) are also marked, and indicated by the symbols listed in the maps key. Armed with these maps, you should be able to find the accurate location of must-see places. After all, London is one of the culture capitals of the world and is brimming with exciting things to see and do. Take a breathtaking trip on the London Eye; explore the amazing collections in galleries and museums as diverse as the Tate Modern and Natural History Museum; immerse yourself in the history of the city at Westminster Abbey or the Tower of London; meet a celebrity at Madame Tussauds; take your pick from long-running West End musicals; shop in an iconic department store such as Harrods or Selfridges; or enjoy a world-class concert at the O2 London Arena, the Wembley Stadium or the Royal Albert Hall. You don't need to travel far to find green space in London. The capital is home to beautiful Royal Parks and Gardens, including Hyde Park, St James's Park, Richmond Park or Key Gardens. It doesn't matter how many times you visit, you've never seen it all in London. There's always something new, from a pop-up burger joint in East London to a blockbuster exhibition at one of London's galleries. There's something different to experience every day in London. This page includes a range of maps and plans which will help you make the most of your visit to London. If you are either a first-time tourist looking for the top 10 must-do sights or if you are returning to London to discover something new - all you need to ensure an enjoyable trip is some advance planning. For some help in narrowing down the options, we present you with a range of high resolution maps which will help you find the detailed locations of the must-see sights - just click on a selected map to access a large version that can be downloaded and printed, or saved onto your mobile device.

London tube map with attractions - Underground stations plan showing main points of interest, metro zones, landmarks, museums - London top tourist attractions map

London tube attractions underground stations plan main points interest metro zones landmarks museumss London Top tourist attractions map

You can view, download or print a full, high resolution (detailed, large) version of this image by clicking on the plan itself

Map of top 10 must-see historical places in central London - Locations of other major landmarks including most popular sites, famous old destinations, best free museums, must-do spots - London top tourist attractions map

map top 10 must see historical places central London locations other major landmarks most popular sites famous old destinations best free museums must do spotss London Top tourist attractions map

Printable walking map of favourite points of interest to visit, metro stations, great historic spots, detailed road guide & street names plan - London top tourist attractions map

printable walking favourite points interest visit metro stations great historic spots detailed road guide street names plans London Top tourist attractions map

Download London map for children - Fun things to do & interesting ideas where to go with your kids - Free download DIY jigsaw puzzle plan - London top tourist attractions map

download London children fun things do interesting ideas where go your kids free download diy jigsaw puzzle plans London Top tourist attractions map

Interactive, printable detailed travel visitors' guide map of inner London showing places of interest along with street names & bus numbers - Must-see destinations - London top tourist attractions map

interactive printable detailed travel visitors guide inner London places interest along street names bus numbers must see destinationss London Top tourist attractions map

London, UK 3d virtual map showing best historical & new buildings - What to see, where to go, directions to fun things to do - London top tourist attractions map

London uk 3d virtual best historical new buildings what see where go directions fun things dos London Top tourist attractions map

Simple & easy to navigate map of London showing top 10 points of interest & sites including Millennium Bridge, Hyde Park, Westminster Abbey - London top tourist attractions map

simple easy navigate London top 10 points interest sites millennium bridge hyde park westminster abbey London Top tourist attractions map

Central London map of neighborhood district areas & things to do places - Free download interactive sightseeing map showing the downtown City & Covent Garden - London top tourist attractions map

central London neighborhood district areas things do places free download interactive sightseeing downtown city covent gardens London Top tourist attractions map

3d main buildings detailed aerial satellite view - Bird's eye graphical overview sites map - London top tourist attractions map

3d main buildings detailed aerial satellite view birds eye graphical overview sites maps London Top tourist attractions map

Birds eye view map of best landmarks & historic iconic locations including Westminster old town & Canary Wharf financial district - London top tourist attractions map

birds eye view best landmarks historic iconic locations westminster old town canary wharf financial districts London Top tourist attractions map

London tube / underground stations map with all zones marked - Public transportation system including Heathrow airport, overground metro routes, subway rail lines network diagram, railway transit stops, commuter DLR light train transport - London top tourist attractions map

London tube underground stations zones marked public transportation system heathrow airport overground metro routes subway rail lines network diagram railway transit stops commuter dlr light train transports London Top tourist attractions map

Hop-on hop-off bus map of London sightseeing Original Tour - Double decker open top red couch visitors' plan showing the Loop & Museum tour routes - London top tourist attractions map

hop hop off bus London sightseeing original tour double decker open top red couch visitors plan loop museum tour routess London Top tourist attractions map

Tourist map and tube stations overlay guide with list of attractions & places to visit - Official Tourist Visitors Information Centre St Paul's Cathedral - London top tourist attractions map

tourist tube stations overlay guide list attractions places visit official tourist visitors information centre at st pauls cathedrals London Top tourist attractions map

Locations to visit in three days - Travel map showing must-see attractions and rail train stations - London top tourist attractions map

locations visit three days travel must see attractions rail train stationss London Top tourist attractions map

Colourful map of great family things to do with kids - London top tourist attractions map

colourful great family things do kidss London Top tourist attractions map

Map of bus route network & main tourist attractions in central London - Key stops & places to visit - London top tourist attractions map

map bus route network main tourist attractions central London key stops places visits London Top tourist attractions map

Downtown guide map of main attractions - Best sights in a week detailed street plan - Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Tower of London, London Eye - London top tourist attractions map

downtown guide main attractions best sights a week detailed street plan big ben buckingham palace tower London London eyes London Top tourist attractions map

Beautiful colorful London children map in English - London top tourist attractions map

beautiful colorful London children englishs London Top tourist attractions map

City sightseeing highlights map showing travel landmarks - London top tourist attractions map

city sightseeing highlights travel landmarkss London Top tourist attractions map

London favourite markets locations map with opening times - London top tourist attractions map

London favourite markets locations opening timess London Top tourist attractions map

Google maps offline mashup map to print - London top tourist attractions map

google maps offline mashup prints London Top tourist attractions map

A-Z list map with sightseeing attractions for holiday city-break vacation - London top tourist attractions map

list sightseeing attractions holiday city break vacations London Top tourist attractions map

City sightseeing highlights 3-day trip itinerary planner with navigation guide - London top tourist attractions map

city sightseeing highlights 3 day trip itinerary planner navigation guides London Top tourist attractions map

Entertainment map showing theatres, concert halls, cinemas, central neighbourhoods & attractions - London top tourist attractions map

entertainment theatres concert halls cinemas central neighbourhoods attractionss London Top tourist attractions map

West End theatre district travel guide plan showing cheap & free attractions including museums, art galleries - London top tourist attractions map

west end theatre district travel guide plan cheap free attractions museums art galleriess London Top tourist attractions map

Knightsbridge & Chelsea shopping map showing Harrod's & other department shopping malls / centers, stores, shops, famous outlets - London top tourist attractions map

knightsbridge chelsea shopping harrods other department shopping malls centers stores shops famous outletss London Top tourist attractions map

West End map showing cheap hostel accommodation & good value budget hotels - London top tourist attractions map

west end cheap hostel accommodation good value budget hotelss London Top tourist attractions map

West End map with restaurants & dining options - London top tourist attractions map

west end restaurants dining optionss London Top tourist attractions map

West End shopping & hotels - Fun & easy to access places within walking distance - London top tourist attractions map

west end shopping hotels fun easy access places within walking distances London Top tourist attractions map

Kensington, Notting Hill, Marylebone shopping, accommodation & restaurants - London top tourist attractions map

kensington notting hill marylebone shopping accommodation restaurantss London Top tourist attractions map

Hyde Park, Knightsbridge & Kensington attractions - London top tourist attractions map

hyde park knightsbridge kensington attractionss London Top tourist attractions map

Explore famous West End sites - London top tourist attractions map

explore famous west end sitess London Top tourist attractions map

Virtual explorer map showing interesting West End sites & hot spots worth visiting - London top tourist attractions map

virtual explorer interesting west end sites hot spots worth visitings London Top tourist attractions map

West End layout free travel map with main points of interest - London top tourist attractions map

west end layout free travel main points interests London Top tourist attractions map

Big Bus Tour London hop-on hop-off stops map - Double decker / open top sightseeing - London top tourist attractions map

big bus tour London hop hop off stops double decker open top sightseeings London Top tourist attractions map

Golden Tours hop-on hop-off bus stops map - London top tourist attractions map

golden tours hop hop off bus stops maps London Top tourist attractions map

London tube geographical accurate map - The true geographically correct underground stations location plan - London top tourist attractions map

London tube geographical accurate true geographically correct underground stations location plans London Top tourist attractions map

Tube map with tourist spots & points of interest overlay including Greenwich, National History Museum & London Zoo - London top tourist attractions map

tube tourist spots points interest overlay greenwich national history museum London zoos London Top tourist attractions map

Free detailed map of Central London streets, roads, urban parks, attractions - London top tourist attractions map

free detailed central London streets roads urban parks attractionss London Top tourist attractions map

London congestion charge zone area boundary map & sign - Driving guide & navigation directions to avoid paying - London top tourist attractions map

London congestion charge zone area boundary sign driving guide navigation directions avoid payings London Top tourist attractions map

Detailed map of central London (England) bus & tube public transportation network - A3 / A4 hd printable quality large scale size - London top tourist attractions map

detailed central London england bus tube public transportation network a3 a4 hd printable quality large scale sizes London Top tourist attractions map

Central London map of neighborhoods - Graphical colorful 3d puzzle drawing for children - London top tourist attractions map

central London neighborhoods graphical colorful 3d puzzle drawing children London Top tourist attractions map

Map of top 10 attractions in London

From London Eye, the National Gallery and Tower of London, below are London's most visited tourist attractions. Many of the attractions in the top 10 are free: there's no better place to soak up some culture. Whether you prefer history or modern art, you'll find it here.

  • British Museum - The world-famous British Museum exhibits the works of man from prehistoric to modern times from around the world. Highlights include the Rosetta Stone, the Parthenon sculptures, and the mummies in the Ancient Egypt collection. Entry is free but special exhibitions require tickets.
  • Tate Modern - Sitting grandly on the banks of the Thames is Tate Modern, Britain's national museum of modern and contemporary art. Its unique shape is due to it previously being a power station. Inside you'll find temporary exhibitions by top artists from Damien Hirst to Gauguin. The gallery's restaurants offer fabulous views across the city. Entry is free.
  • National Gallery - The crowning glory of Trafalgar Square, London's National Gallery is a vast space, filled with Western European paintings from the 13th to the 19th centuries. In this iconic art gallery you can find works by masters such as Van Gogh, da Vinci, Botticelli, Constable, Renoir, Titian and Stubbs. Entry is free.
  • Natural History Museum - As well as the permanent (and permanently fascinating!) dinosaur exhibition, the Natural History Museum boasts a collection of the biggest, tallest and rarest animals in the world. See a life-sized Blue Whale, a 40-million-year-old spider, and the beautiful Central Hall. Entry is free but special exhibitions require tickets.
  • London Eye - The London Eye is a major feature of London's skyline. It is the world's highest observation wheel, with 32 capsules, each weighing 10 tonnes, and holding up to 25 people. Climb aboard for a breathtaking experience, with unforgettable views of more than 55 of London's most famous landmarks – all in just 30 minutes!
  • Science Museum - From the future of space travel to asking that difficult question, 'Who am I?', the Science Museum makes your brain perform Olympic-standard mental gymnastics. See, touch and experience the major scientific advances of the last 300 years; don't forget the awesome Imax cinema. Entry is free but some exhibitions require tickets.
  • Victoria and Albert Museum - The V&A celebrates art and design with 3,000 years worth of amazing artefacts from around the world. A real treasure trove of goodies, you never know what you'll discover next: furniture, paintings, sculpture, metalwork, and textiles, the list goes on and on… Entry is free but special exhibitions require tickets.
  • Madame Tussauds - At Madame Tussauds, you'll come face-to-face with some of the world's most famous faces. From Shakespeare to Lady Gaga you'll meet influential figures from showbiz, sport, politics and even Royalty. Strike a pose with Usain Bolt, kiss Brad Pitt or receive a once-in-a-lifetime audience with Her Majesty the Queen.
  • Royal Museums Greenwich - Visit the world's largest maritime museum, the historic Queen's House, and the Royal Observatory Greenwich: all now part of the Royal Museums Greenwich. Stand astride the Prime Meridian, touch a meteorite, and see the stars in the planetarium. Some are free to enter; some charges apply.
  • Tower of London - Take a tour with one of the Yeoman Warders around the Tower of London, one of the world's most famous buildings. Discover its 900-year history as a royal palace, prison and place of execution, arsenal, jewel house and zoo! Gaze up at the White Tower, tiptoe through a medieval king's bedchamber and marvel at the Crown Jewels.

What are some interesting facts about London?

The Houses of Parliament are officially known as the Palace of Westminster and it is the largest palace in the country with 1,000 rooms and 100 staircases.

Big Ben is the bell, not the clock tower. Its chime is in the key of E.

More than half of the London Underground network in fact runs above ground. Above you can see the detailed map of the London Tube network.

London buses were not always red. Before 1907, different routes had different-coloured buses.

All black-cab drivers in the city, must master 320 basic routes, all of the 25,000 streets that are scattered within those routes, and about 20,000 landmarks and places interest within a six-mile radius of Charing Cross to pass the Knowledge, the insanely difficult London geography test thats is required of them. It can take one between two and four years to learn this.

The architect of the Oxo Tower, forbidden from including an electrified advertising hoarding in the building, instead incorporated the company's name in the windows on all four sides.

Marble Arch was designed by John Nash in 1828 as the entrance to Buckingham Palace, but was moved to Hyde Park when Queen Victoria expanded the palace. It contains a tiny office once used as a police station.

There is a 19th century time capsule under the base of Cleopatra's Needle - the 68ft, 3,450-year-old obelisk on the Embankment - containing a set of British currency, a railway guide, a Bible, and 12 portraits of 'the prettiest English ladies'.

London was the first city to reach a population of more than one million, in 1811. It remained the largest city in the world until it was overtaken by Tokyo in 1957.

If London was a country it would be the eighth largest in Europe.

London is the first city that hosted the Olympics three times in 2012, 1908 and 1948.

London was once the capital city of 6 countries at the same time! During World War II, London was one of the few 'safe' cities left in Europe for those who opposed the Nazi regime. It soon became a safe haven for displaced governments of the countries that Hitler had invaded, first with Poland's government-in-exile taking up residence, followed by those of Norway, Belgium, Holland and France.

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BEST of London in One Day: Detailed Itinerary (+Map & Tips)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: October 20, 2023

BEST of London in One Day: Detailed Itinerary (+Map & Tips)

Visiting London, UK, for one day and wondering what to see and how to plan your itinerary for such a short visit? In this guide, we share a detailed London 1-day itinerary that allows you to see many of the top sights in the most efficient way.

London is a huge city that is filled with landmarks, world-class museums, entertainment venues, and tourist attractions. So trying to see the best of London in a day is not an easy task, especially if you want to make the most out of your time, but also keep it enjoyable and fun.

Yes, there are many amazing places to visit, great rooftop bars, and hidden gems in London that would make any visit more memorable… But unless you have much more than one day, you will probably not want to waste your time traveling to the other side of the city in search of a tiny museum or a cute local restaurant that someone recommended…

With just a day in London, you will probably want to see the major landmarks and at least a few of the top sights that London is famous for.

So this is our no-nonsense guide to the VERY BEST things to see and do in London in one day . At the bottom of this article, you can find a short overview of our recommended 1-day London itinerary as well as a map indicating all the places that we mention in this guide. We also include some practical tips for your trip. Take a look!

Top 4 Experiences in London:

  • London Eye .
  • Tower of London & Crown Jewels .
  • Thames Cruise .
  • Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio .

London in one day - walking map

As you can imagine, there are millions of ways how you could spend a day in London. This is just one suggestion based on our personal experience. It includes some of the most important sights and must-see places that we think are worth your time the most if this is your first time in the city and you have less than 24 hours in London.

Good to know: Our recommended London 1-day itinerary takes into account the locations and the opening times of the main attractions so that you can actually visit some of them if you want to. Although, keep in mind that with just a day in London, you will have to be very selective about the places you decide to visit inside. As you can imagine, this takes much more time and planning compared to just seeing the landmarks from the outside.

TIP: As an absolute minimum, we recommend that you do a Thames Cruise , plus take a ride on the iconic London Eye and/or visit the viewing decks at The Shard . The views are amazing from both! And because you can get timed-entry tickets (or fast-track tickets at London Eye) it’s well worth it, even if your time in the city is limited. You will find more information about these and other landmarks further below.

READ ALSO: London Travel Tips

Here’s what you could do in London in one day:

1. Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace has been the official residence of the monarch of the United Kingdom since 1837 and is one of the must-sees in London.

Since you probably won’t be visiting the Palace inside (it’s only possible at the end of the summer/early fall – see here if interested), you can start your day in London here as early as you like.

The best place to be is Victoria Memorial , which is located right in front of the main gate of Buckingham Palace. From here, you can take a few obligatory pictures of the palace.

Buckingham Palace in London UK

2. The Mall & St. James Park

Located right in front of Buckingham Palace, The Mall is probably the most famous street in London. If you have seen TV broadcasts of any of the official royal celebrations in London, this is the street where they start/end their trips with golden carriages and Royal Guard parades.

In fact, you could see the Changing of the Guards ceremony here, but it only takes place on certain dates and starts at around 11 am. So it’s not something I would recommend if you only have a day in London.

Instead, simply walk down the Mall and/or take a detour via the adjacent St. James Park . The next destination on this itinerary – Horse Guards Parade – is about 15-20 minutes walk from Buckingham Palace.

The Mall, London

3. Horse Guards Parade

The Horse Guards Parade is a big parade ground at the end of the far east end of St. Jame’s Park. This is also where The Household Cavalry Museum is located.

This is one of the best places to see the famous Horse Guards in London. They are always around, so you can take a picture of them if you like.

In addition, there is also a daily Changing of the Guard ceremony here at 11 am (at 10 am on Sundays). If your timing coincides with this, it’s nice to see, but I wouldn’t adjust the entire day’s schedule just for this. There are better things to do with just a day in London!

TIP: If interested, you could take a quick detour to the famous 10 Downing Street , the official residence of the UK’s Prime Minister. It’s located just nearby here. However, it’s now closed with high gates at the entrance of the street so you can only catch a glimpse of it in a distance.

Royal Guard at Horse Guards Parade in London

4. Trafalgar Square

Next, head to Trafalgar Square which is less than 10 minutes walk from the Horse Guards Parade. This is another must-see in London that you will probably recognize from many movies and travel guides.

In the center of the square, surrounded by fountains and waterfalls, stands a huge Nelson’s Column which is guarded by four bronze lions. There are usually lots of pigeons here too, plus tourists, street performers, etc. The square is also a busy traffic center with red double-decker buses and traditional black cabs zooming in all directions.

It’s a very lively place, but if you come here early in the morning, it can be very quiet. Either way, don’t miss it as it’s always worth a quick visit. It’s a great place to simply sit back, do some people-watching, and soak in the typical London atmosphere.

Good to know: Trafalgar Square is also home to the National Gallery . It’s free to visit and is usually open daily from 10 am. If you feel like visiting a museum during your short trip to London, check it out.

Nelson's Column on Trafalgar Square in London

5. Leicester Square and/or Covent Garden (optional)

Depending on your interests and how early you start your day, you may want to take a quick detour and visit either Leicester Square and/or Covent Garden. Both of these areas are located just a short walk from Trafalgar Square.

Leicester Square is a vibrant hub with lots of big-name stores such as M&M’s London or the LEGO Store. There is also a small green space in the middle where you can see all kinds of statues and sculptures, including the statue of Harry Potter flying on a broomstick. If you are visiting London with kids you won’t want to miss this place! But this vibrant area is worth a quick look either way.

TIP: It’s also in this part of the city that you will find some of the most famous London theaters . If you are interested in seeing a show or a musical, you could easily adjust this itinerary a bit and come back here in the evening. In that case, check what shows are available and book your tickets well in advance !

Covent Garden is a cool bustling area just nearby. Here, you can visit the famous Covent Garden Market , with its 19th-century glass roof and wonderful architecture. There are lots of restaurants and cafes here, so this could also be a good place for brunch or early lunch.

Covent Garden Market interior

6. London Eye

Next, cross the river at Hungerford Bridge and Golden Jubilee Bridges and head to the South Bank of London. On the way, you can enjoy great views from the bridge and the riverside.

There is a lot to see and do in this part of the city. The most famous attraction is, of course, the iconic London Eye . The highest observation wheel in Europe, a ride here is a great opportunity to see some of the best views in London . From the top, you can see the entire central London. It also gives you a good overview of the city and many of its famous landmarks.

PRO TIP: The London Eye is one of the most popular tourist attractions in London, so be sure to get timed-entry tickets online in advance . We highly recommend choosing fast-track tickets as this can save you several (!) hours. Otherwise, just admire the structure and the views from the ground, and enjoy the views from The Shard at the end of the day (more info further below).

Additional suggestion: If you would like to get a glimpse of some cool places in London, beyond the main landmarks, make a short detour to the colorful graffiti tunnel, aka The Vaults. This is one of the hidden gems of London that is located so close to the popular sights but is overlooked by most tourists. I indicated it on our map below. Keep in mind that you’ll need at least half an hour extra for a quick detour here (it’s about 10-15 walk from the London Eye).

London Eye and River Thames as seen from Golden Jubilee Bridge

7. Westminster Bridge, Big Ben & Westminster Palace

Next, walk to the iconic Westminster Bridge just nearby. From here, you also have a good view of the famous Big Ben Tower (officially known as the Elizabeth Tower) and the Palace of Westminster (Houses of Parliament).

The view of the bridge with the beautiful gothic buildings of Westminster Palace is among the most recognizable images from London. This is the heart of the city that you really shouldn’t miss, no matter how long or short your visit is.

It’s not possible to visit the Big Ben Tower. There are tours of the Parliament, but – with just a day or even a few in London – it’s probably not the best use of your time. So this is mostly a photo stop, to see some of the most iconic landmarks in the city.

Westminster Bridge and Big Ben Tower - London day trip itinerary

8. Westminster Abbey

If you cross the bridge and walk just a bit further past Big Ben, you will soon see the famous Westminster Abbey .

Westminster Abbey is the site of many of Britain’s most important events. Every British monarch has been crowned here since the 11th century, many royal weddings and funerals take place here, etc. The Abbey is also the burial site of countless famous British historical figures, such as Charles Darwin and Isaac Newton, just to name a few…

This Gothic building is remarkably beautiful and you can visit it inside. If you decide to do this, be sure to book the timed-entry tickets in advance! Keep in mind that you will need at least an hour to quickly visit the Abbey. More realistically, you should count at least 1.5-2 hours for a visit.

Westminster Abbey - London in one day

9. Thames Cruise

Next, take a river cruise on the Thames from Westminster Pier to the Tower Bridge.

This is a great way to see more of London, rest your legs a bit, and at the same time cover the big distance between the two main areas of the city that we recommend visiting if you have just 1 day in London.

Good to know: There are several piers and so many different Thames River cruise options that it can get overwhelming. This is the best ticket for this particular journey . The boat departs from Westminster Pier (we indicated the location on the map further below) and takes you to Tower Bridge. The journey takes about 30 minutes.

Westminster Pier and Big Ben Tower in London

10. Tower of London

It will probably be late afternoon by the time you get to Tower Bridge and the Tower of London . These are among the most important landmarks in the city, so you absolutely have to see them.

Whether it’s actually worth visiting any of them inside if you only have a day in London, I’ll let you decide based on your interests and how you choose to fill the rest of this itinerary.

Don’t take me wrong – they are both absolutely worth a visit. It’s just that everything usually takes a lot more time than you anticipate. And your itinerary for a day in London will be packed…

If you visit just one attraction inside, the Tower of London is definitely among the top choices. Built in the 11th century, the building served as a fortress, a prison, but also as a palace over its centuries-long history.

This is where the Crown Jewels of the British Monarchy are kept (and can be seen inside, if you are prepared for an inevitable queue). The only way to avoid the queue is to come here first thing in the morning and run straight to the Jewels when the site opens.

Good to know: Be sure to get (timed-entry) tickets if you want to visit. Plan to spend at least 1.5 hours inside (and it will be rushed).

Tower of London

11. Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge is an iconic structure that you can simply admire from the outside (be sure to walk over the bridge too!).

It’s also possible to visit inside, where you can see Victorian engine rooms or walk over the glass walkway and admire nice views of the river and the city.

Also here, if you decide to actually visit the Tower Bridge, be sure to get a timed-entry ticket in advance .

London Tower Bridge is a must-see in any London itinerary

12. The Shard

After crossing the Tower Bridge, walk to The Shard following the river. It’s a nice walk of about 15-20 minutes.

The Shard is an iconic London skyscraper, one of the tallest buildings in Europe, and in the top 100 among the tallest buildings in the world. A visit to its open-air viewing platform Skydeck on the 72nd floor gives you easy access to some of the best 360° views of London. In addition, there are indoor viewing platforms on the 68th and 69th floors.

From the top, you can see the River Thames with Tower Bridge and the Tower of London nearby, plus countless other landmarks in the distance and the entire city at your feet.

Good to know: The Shard is open late in the evening, so it’s very easy to include a visit here at the end of the day. The views are great at sunset, but it’s just as nice to visit during the day or after dark. It never disappoints.

And yes, also here, you really have to book timed-entry tickets if you want to be sure to be able to visit. While walk-ins are possible, they are not guaranteed. So if it’s busy (and it usually is), the only way to visit is by booking in advance.

London City financial district and London Tower as seen from the South Bank

There are a couple of restaurants in the Shard Tower itself, but they are all quite high-end and definitely have to be reserved.

For dinner, you may want to look for a restaurant in the area around Borough Market . The market itself is closed in the evenings, but there are many eateries nearby. Also here, if you want to dine at a specific place, be sure to reserve a table.

READ ALSO: British Food: best dishes to try in the UK

Fish and chips at a pub in London

Theater (optional)

Just like Broadway in New York, London is known for its world-class musicals, amazing shows, and concerts.

While this 1-day London itinerary is quite packed as it is, many people travel to the city just to see a specific show or a musical. So yes, it’s possible to add this experience to this itinerary as well.

In that case, be sure to first check what is available , at which theater, and at what time. Then adjust this itinerary to be sure that you can get there on time, and based on your interests.

Lyceum Theatre in London

London 1-Day Itinerary Overview

Below is an overview of what your day in London could look like.

Important: Keep in mind that you’ll need timed tickets for most of these sites – if you actually want to visit them inside. There is no way you can visit all of these in a day. But you can definitely see them all and visit a few (max 2-3, depending on the place). So you’ll have to plan well and adjust this itinerary based on your interests.

Here’s our recommended 1-day itinerary for London:

  • Buckingham Palace.
  • St James Park.
  • Trafalgar Square.
  • Leicester Square and/or Covent Garden (optional).
  • London Eye ( book (fast track) tickets if you want to go up!).
  • Westminster Bridge, Big Ben & Westminster Palace.
  • Westminster Abbey ( book tickets if you want to visit inside!).
  • Thames River Cruise ( this is the best ticket for this itinerary ).
  • Tower Bridge & Tower of London (book tickets – Tower of London and/or Tower Bridge – and be sure to choose timed-entry (!) if you want to visit any of these inside).
  • The Shard ( book tickets if you want to go up!).
  • Theater (optional – check what’s available for the day of your visit and adjust the itinerary accordingly if you decide to see a show).

My personal recommendation would be to visit Westminster Abbey and/or the Tower of London and do the Thames River Cruise. I would also probably opt for The Shard rather than London Eye, simply because it’s easier to plan it at the end of the day. The Shard is also open much later in the evening than anything else.

But everything is possible, so pick the sights that look most interesting to you , and plan your own perfect day in London!

Also, start your day very early! The sights that we recommend visiting first can be seen long before any of the landmarks even open.

Red phone booths in London UK

London is huge but as you can see on the map, many of the major landmarks are located not too far from each other. So you can see and do quite a lot in one day.

To help you with the planning, we created this map indicating all the top places that we recommend visiting in London in a day. You can also see an approximate walking route suggestion. This should give you a better idea of where all these places are located and help you plan a perfect itinerary for your day trip to London.

If you decide to skip some sights or visit them in a different order, it’s perfectly possible too. This is just one of the possibilities, taking into account the opening times of some of the places that we think are worth visiting the most.

How to use this map:  Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

Practical Info & Tips

  • If you follow this 1-day London itinerary exactly as it is suggested here, you will be walking a lot, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes . This itinerary focuses on the main landmarks, many of which are located too close to each other to take a metro every time, but far enough to give you a good exercise. You’ll only take a boat to get from Westminster to Tower Bridge.
  • Use a metro to get to the starting point of this itinerary and back to your hotel at the end of the day. It’s the fastest way to cover big distances in London.
  • Be sure to pre-book timed-entry tickets (choose fast-track tickets where available) for any of the attractions that you want to visit. Otherwise, forget it and just enjoy the sights from the outside. With just one day in London, you really don’t want to waste time queuing at one or the other attraction for an hour or two before you can even get inside. Plus, in some places, walk-ins are not guaranteed at all.
  • With just a day in London, it doesn’t matter that much where you decide to stay. Of course, it helps if you choose a hotel in a somewhat central location, also because you can explore a bit more of the days of the arrival/departure as well. A lot also depends on how you travel to/from the city. For example, Megaro Hotel is a good option next to King’s Cross and St Pancras International Stations where the Eurostar train arrives from Paris , Brussels , or Amsterdam .

MORE INFORMATION: Where to Stay in London

London Eye and red double-decker bus on Westminster Bridge

So, this is our suggested itinerary for one day in London. As you can see, there are many possibilities and options, so use this as an inspiration to plan your own perfect day trip to London!

If this guide inspires you to stay longer, check out this guide with our recommended 2-day London itinerary .

Have a great trip!

More travel inspiration for London:

  • Good to know: Tips for Visiting London
  • What to see: Top London Sights & Attractions & Hidden Gems of London
  • What to eat: Traditional British Food to Try in the UK
  • Best views: Best Views in London
  • Camden: Camden Town & Camden Lock Market
  • Greenwich: Things to Do in Greenwich & Painted Hall & Queen’s House
  • For families: London with Kids
  • Outside the city: Best Day Trips from London & Best Cities to Visit in the UK & Day Trip to Liverpool from London

If you found this post useful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images!

Best of London in one day - what to see, itinerary, maps

Images: personal collection and Depositphotos.com. Additional credits: ewelinas85/Depositphotos.com// cowardlion/Depositphotos.com// dvrcan/Depositphotos.com.

More 1-day itineraries for some of the nicest European cities:

  • 1 Day in Amsterdam (Netherlands)
  • 1 Day in Barcelona (Spain)
  • 1 Day in Edinburgh (UK)
  • 1 Day in Florence (Italy)
  • 1 Day in Glasgow (UK)
  • 1 Day in Lisbon (Portugal)
  • 1 Day in Madrid (Spain)
  • 1 Day in Milan (Italy)
  • 1 Day in Manchester (UK)
  • 1 Day in Naples (Italy)
  • 1 Day in Paris (France)
  • 1 Day in Rome (Italy)
  • 1 Day in Salzburg (Austria)
  • 1 Day in Venice (Italy)
  • Read also our top tips for planning a trip to Europe .

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Nichole Walz

Monday 19th of February 2024

Thank you for this amazing itinerary! It's incredible helpful for our upcoming trip in May! XOXO

Glad to help, Nichole. Have a great time in London!

Thursday 4th of January 2024

Literally hitting all the places I want to see! THANK YOU for this.. it's almost too perfect! Curious what the ideal to start this in order to hit all these sites.

Monday 8th of January 2024

Hi Ali, it depends a bit on the season when you travel, but mostly on your interests (that is, which places if any you decide to visit). If you start around 9-10, you could probably watch the Changing of the Guard at the Horse Guards Parade (10-11 am depending on the day), but that's really up to you. That way, you could also be at Leicester Square/Covent Garden at around lunchtime. On the other hand, if you want to go up the London Eye and also visit either Westminster Abbey or The Tower of London, then I would start earlier. So first decide which attractions you absolutely want to visit, read our tips for how much time you need, and that will help you figure out when to start your day. You'll also need to prebook timed entry tickets. Hope this helps. Enjoy London!

Monday 7th of August 2023

Hello, thank you so much. I used this post for a day in London and it was so wonderful! Thanks again

Tuesday 8th of August 2023

Glad to hear that you enjoyed your short visit to London, Susan. Happy travels!

Snehalata Tawade

Saturday 5th of August 2023

Thank you for your wonderful blog. I missed my flight connection and was in London just for a day and could enjoy the day perfectly visiting all the places you mentioned. Thank you, thank you, thank you so much. Keep it up. All the best wishes for your future endeavors.

Sunday 6th of August 2023

Glad to help, Snehalata. It's great that you could turn a travel mishap into a fun day in London!

London x London

Posted on Published: 25th January 2022  - Last updated: 20th June 2022 Categories London Travel Tips

By: Author Julianna Barnaby

The London Area Guide: 17 London Neighbourhoods You Have to Explore

The London Area Guide: 17 London Neighbourhoods You Have to Explore

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London is a vibrant and ever-changing city made up of a series of interconnected, but independent neighbourhoods. Don’t miss this London area guide – 17 London neighbourhoods you shouldn’t miss during your visit. 

London is large, sprawling and can be hard to get your head around. Don’t get us wrong – we love the capital, but we get that it can be difficult to make sense of.

From the old City of London to newer neighbourhoods, London is basically a collection of interrelated areas, each with their own independent identities, subcultures and (dare we mention it), football teams. 

Where do you start? Where should you skip? Which are London’s poshest areas? The coolest? 

No fear, we’ve created this in-depth London area guide to help you navigate your way around the city like a pro. 

A Guide to the Best London’s Neighbourhoods

Things to do in London Bridge

Choosing the best neighbourhood to stay in London or to visit during your trip can be overwhelming, with so many great options to pick from. 

Do you go for the South Bank ? Or perhaps trendy Shoreditch ?

The answer really depends on what you’re looking for during your trip. 

If it’s your first time exploring the city, then convenience will probably rule – whereas returning visitors may prefer to head further out and discover some of the quirkier spots in London .

Overall, we recommend basing yourself in the London neighbourhoods that sit in the shadow of the city’s most iconic attractions , especially if you’re visiting for the first time. 

This way, you can wake up with pinch-yourself views of the city, and be just a short hop, skip and jump to their front door. Plus, there are great transport links to other parts of the city.

This includes the neighbourhoods of Covent Garden , South Bank , London Bridge and Mayfair .

If it’s the glitz and glamour of London’s nightlife that draws you to the Big Smoke, then we recommend basing yourself in Soho .

It’s toned down its naughty character in recent years, but it’s still got that general feeling of debauchery (not to mention brilliant cocktail bars ) that makes it a fabulous nightlife hotspot.

La Bodega Negra

Looking for a luxe break in London? It doesn’t get much better than Mayfair , with its beautifully elegant hotels , fabulous shopping and indulgent spas.

On the other hand, if you want to soak up the cool side of London then we say head straight for Shoreditch where you’ll be surrounded by epic street art , ultra-cool bars and quirky markets.

Handy Tip: One thing to note is that London’s famous underground system – the Tube – connects the whole city easily. Just because you are staying in one location doesn’t mean you can’t easily access somewhere totally different. The centre is also surprisingly walkable – so put on a pair of comfortable walking shoes and explore at your leisure.

Covent Garden

Covent Garden

It’s pretty common for fabulous neighbourhoods to be centred around a city’s theatre, and Covent Garden fits the bill.

Right on the doorstep of London’s amazing theatre scene, it’s also one of the popular areas to stay in London for foodies, with many of the city’s best restaurants located here.

Another reason that it’s one of the best places to stay in London is how convenient it is for the city’s main attractions.

At the heart of Covent Garden you’ll find a famous (and awesome) market, as well as a bunch of cool theatres. It’s also close to other attractions like the National Gallery and Trafalgar Square .

Neighbourhood Highlights in Covent Garden

  • Bob Bob Ricard – one of our favourite London restaurants, serving European-Russian cuisine in a spectacular setting. 
  • DRP – a chic cocktail bar with some of the best sips in town. 
  • Neal’s Yard – A cute collection of colourful shops, restaurants and bars hidden down a secret passageway. 
  • Cecil Court – Hunt down your next great read in this quaint collection of indie bookshops . 
  • Watch a theatre show – Covent Garden is dotted with West End theatres – from the traditional (like the Savoy Theatre ) to more contemporary ventures (the Donmar Warehouse is one of our go-tos). 

Suggested Places to Stay in Covent Garden

  • The Henrietta – an ultra-chic boutique hotel that’s stylish and inviting
  • Covent Garden Hotel – a luxe option that exudes glamour and elegance

Read Next: The Covent Garden Area Guide: Cool Things to do and Places to Visit in Covent Garden

Westminster 

The Palace of Westminster

If you’re on a short timeframe and want to make sure you tick off all the big-ticket items on your “must-see list”, then staying in Westminster is a good shout. 

You’ll almost certainly swing through Westminster during your time in London, as it is home to an abundance of historical and cultural attractions.

Even in a city where history is king, Westminster is one of the parts of London of huge historical significance (not to mention the fact it’s still the seat of British Parliament). 

Start with a peek at The Houses of Parliament (and Big Ben) before swinging by Westminster Abbey and down Whitehall. 

The only downside of Westminster is it has fewer restaurants and cafes (except for a few chains) than other central London areas (though we do adore The Cinnamon Club) – aside from this we recommend heading out a neighbouring borough to eat.

Neighbourhood Highlights in Westminster

  • The Houses of Parliament – Not just a pretty building, make time to visit with this handy guide. 
  • Westminster Abbey – It’s not actually cathedral but it is beautiful. Check out Poet’s Corner – the final resting place for many of the UK’s leading literary figures. 
  • Westminster Cathedral – No, it’s not the same as Westminster Abbey but it is a great spot for grabbing views of central London. 

Suggested Hotels in Westminster, London 

  • The Corinthia – a glamorous spa hotel that’s so luxurious you’ll never want to leave
  • St James’ Court Taj Hotel – a modern and stylish 4-star hotel that has a Michelin-starred onsite restaurant

Read Next: The Westminster Area Guide

Things to do in Soho - Liberty London

Ah, brilliant Soho . Who doesn’t love a glamorous central London neighbourhood that wears its slightly salacious past on its sleeve?

Soho was once known as London’s premier red-light district, and the central London area has never quite shaken off its cheeky approach to life. Nor would we want it to.

Today, Soho is best known for its vibrant nightlife and one of our favourite areas of London to explore – think uber-chic cocktail bars as well as fabulous pubs, where drinkers often spill out onto the street. The nightclubs are largely gone, but there’s still plenty to keep this area quirky and lovable. 

Food-wise, you’re spoilt for choice, with many of the city’s best restaurants dotted around the area. 

Highlights of Soho, London 

  • The Photographer’s Gallery – Intimate gallery with thought-provoking exhibitions. 
  • Bob Bob Ricard – Stylish but pricey restaurant in the heart of Soho. 
  • The House of Minalima – Harry Potter fans should make a beeline for this emporium, the brainchild of the two graphic designers responsible for bringing the films to life. 
  • Cocktails – Soho is jammed with great cocktail bars. You should definitely pop into at least a couple of them. 

Suggested Soho Hotels in London

  • Ham Yard Hotel – because it makes sense to stay in a gloriously quirky hotel in Soho – and this one even has a bowling alley
  • Hazlitt’s – another unique hotel with grand, antique furniture and a great location in sought-after Soho

Read Next: The Soho Area Guide 

London Bridge & The South Bank 

The London Eye

You can’t visit London without spending some time in neighbouring London areas London Bridge and the Southbank .

Why? First up, you should make a beeline for some of London’s most famous attractions – like the Shard, Borough Market and Tower Bridge.

Secondly, The South Bank is a hub of theatres, restaurants and cultural attractions. There are few places better to wander around looking for your evening’s entertainment.  

South Bank and London Bridge Neighbourhood Highlights

  • Tower Bridge – Not to be confused with the much less attractive London Bridge, Tower Bridge is an absolute must. 
  • The View from the Shard – Make your way to the top of London’s tallest building for epic views of the city. 
  • The London Eye
  • Borough Market – Gorge yourself on fabulous food at the city’s best-known market. 
  • The National Theatre – Pick up tickets for a theatre show at The National 
  • Explore The South Bank Centre – home to Royal Festival Hall and a never-ending calendar of events. 

Suggested London Bridge/South Bank Hotels in London

  • The Shangri La – stay at London’s most exclusive address, inside the Shard itself
  • Sea Containers – a quirky yet surprisingly stylish and comfortable way to enjoy a central London location
  • The LaLit – an amazingly opulent hotel inspired by the East – you can certainly live the grand life here.

Read Next: The London Bridge Area Guide

Victoria, St James & Belgravia 

Buckingham Palace

Charming Belgravia is one of the prettiest neighbourhoods in London. In parts, it looks a little like a flower shop exploded – in the best possible way.

Victoria borders up to it, and is a great place to stay in its own right. What it lacks in sugary sweet charm, it makes up for in great transport links and yet more excellent theatres.

Of course, there’s no need to hop on a train when you’re so close to London’s best attractions. Just a short walk from Victoria, St James and Belgravia you’ll find highlights such as Buckingham Palace, St James’s Park and Horse Guards Parade. 

Neighbourhood Highlights in Victoria, St James & Belgravia 

  • Buckingham Palace – let’s face it, if it is good enough for The Queen we should probably at least give it a look. 
  • St James’s Park – The prettiest park in London, end of. Bring a picnic and chill by the lake. 
  • The Changing of the Guard – The pomp and spectacular of the Changing of the Guard parade takes some beating. 

Suggested Hotels in Victoria, St James & Belgravia 

  • The Nadler – a family friendly hotel complete with self-catering facilities and plenty of charm
  • The Goring – still family owned, this luxury hotel mixes both a warm welcome and elegant grandeur

Read Next: An Insider’s Guide to Belgravia

Mayfair & Piccadilly

piccadilly-circus

If you’re looking to experience the posh side of London, then you’d best head for the fancy hubs of Mayfair and Piccadilly.

They’re expensive for a reason – what else would you expect from beautiful little neighbourhoods right smack bang in the middle of central London.

To cater for the well-heeled residents (and visitors), both offer a great selection of art galleries, chic restaurants and luxury boutiques and stores.

If the concrete gets to you, you’ll be pleased to know that plenty of green space is nearby – including the famous Hyde Park.

Mayfair & Piccadilly Neighbourhood Highlights 

  • Afternoon Tea at The Ritz – it’s a classic, and it’s so very, very good. 
  • The Handel & Hendrix Museum – Discover the unlikely connection between these two musical geniuses at this small museum. 
  • Royal Academy of Arts – The frequently-changing exhibitions are never dull, that’s for sure. 
  • Visit Piccadilly Circus (if you absolutely have to, we personally hate it).

Suggested Mayfair and Piccadilly Hotels in London

  • The Ritz – it might be the tiniest bit too swanky for its own good but you should at least swing by for afternoon tea. 
  • Dukes – get the best of both worlds with Dukes, which boasts exceptional convenience yet in a quiet residential enclave
  • Claridge’s – because it’s exceptional reputation amongst royals and commoners is very well deserved
  • Read More: Where to Stay in Mayfair

Read Next: The Mayfair Area Guide

The City 

Sky Garden

While much of the sprawling metropolis is often colloquially referred to as the city, in fact, The City of London technically refers to just one square mile.

This is considered the absolute heart of London – the spot where the Romans first set up a small settlement known as Londinium.

Within this area you’ll find many of the city’s most famous attractions. This includes the stunning St Paul’s Cathedral, as well as the more recent addition, the Gherkin.

St Paul's Cathedral

The City is quite a business hub, being home to the London Stock Exchange. However, it’s also very convenient for exploring East London spots like Shoreditch and Hoxton.

Highlights to Explore in The City of London 

  • Sky Garden – Head to the top of the walkie talkie building for stunning views of the Thames. All for free. 
  • Visit the London Mithraeum – One of our favourite finds, the London Mithraeum is a Roman Temple in a cool complex underneath Bloomberg’s UK headquarters. 
  • Pop into The Museum of London – and chart the history of what we’re sure is, by now, your favourite city. 
  • Explore The Barbican – Brutalist and beautiful, The Barbican might split opinion with its appearance but its position as one of London’s leading cultural venues is undisputed. Don’t forget to pop up to The Barbican Conservatory , which is open on selected Sundays. 

Suggested City Hotels in London

  • The Ned – a new, slightly quirky hotel that proves that staying in London’s financial district doesn’t mean you can’t have any fun
  • Threadneedles – a chic and elegant luxury hotel that’s right in the centre of the City of London.

Read Next: City of London Area Guide

Notting Hill & Kensington

Natural History Museum Kensington

Notting Hill and Kensington are two more of London’s most beautiful, popular (and poshest) neighbourhoods.

If you are looking to enjoy the London that has been popularised in films like, umm, Notting Hill , then there’s plenty to keep you on your toes.

You see, there’s a good reason that these two neighbourhoods have been popular with film-makers for a while – the pastel buildings and abundance of pretty cafes are super photogenic. Kensington also holds the questionably desirable title of the most expensive area in London. 

Notting Hill and Kensington aren’t just pretty faces, however. There’s a lot to do here, from indulging in a fabulous cream tea to checking out sites like the Museum of Brands.

Highlights You Shouldn’t Miss in Notting Hill and Kensington 

  • Kensington Gardens – Hyde Park might steal all the attention but adjacent Kensington Gardens with Kensington Palace is the real star of the show. 
  • Royal Albert Hall – See a performance or snag a ticket for the much-hyped Last Night of the Proms. 
  • The Churchill Arms – London has no shortage of pubs but this flower-bedecked spectacular really stands out. 
  • Museum Mile – Three of London’s most famous museums , The Science Museum, Natural History Museum and The Victoria & Albert Museum all sit within a stone’s throw of each other. 

Suggested Notting Hill and Kensington Hotels 

  • The Ampersand – a family-friendly luxury hotel that’s within a stone’s throw of many of London’s best attractions
  • Blakes Hotel – a pioneering boutique hotel, Blakes is a classic favourite for good reason
  • The Distillery – an entire hotel that’s gin themed. Need we say more?
  • Click here for a guide to our favourite Notting Hill hotels

Read Next: Our Handy Guides to Notting Hill and Kensington

Greenwich 

Queen's House, Greenwich

While it is a little bit further out for general sightseeing, Greenwich is one of the quaintest areas of London. 

It has a lot going for it – most famously, Greenwich is the namesake for Greenwich Mean Time – i.e. “latitude 0” and the spot where time is measured from. You can check it out at the Royal Observatory.

It also had a long affiliation with the British navy. The Old Naval College is located here, as is the historic ship The Cutty Sark, not to mention the National Maritime Museum.

In recent years, Greenwich’s restaurant scene has seriously upped its game – we would head there for Peninsula alone.

Greenwich Neighbourhood Highlights 

  • Queen’s House – A gorgeous collection of art in a former royal palace and still one of the quieter places in London. 
  • Greenwich Park – Watch out for the deer and the great views at the top of the (steepish) hill. 
  • The National Maritime Museum – Learn about the UK’s naval history at this surprisingly interesting gem. 

Suggested Greenwich Hotels in London

  • DoubleTree by Hilton – As you’d expect from the well-known chain, this hotel is modern, stylish and an excellent base in Greenwich

Read Next: The Greenwich Area Guide: Best Things to do and See

Street art in Shoreditch

When it comes to cool areas of London, one spot comes to mind: Shoreditch.

Once upon a time, Shoreditch would have been the kind of London neighbourhood visitors were told to avoid. Those days are long gone, ushering in an age of endless flat whites, hipster culture and some very, very hip bars and restaurants . 

The neighbourhood’s industrial past is still on show with lots of old warehouses. Many are adorned with the street art the area is famous for.

It’s not just murals that make Shoreditch a great place to stay in London. There are also plenty of vintage shops , foodie faves and great nightlife to boot.

Overall, Shoreditch is one of our picks for the best neighbourhoods in London – especially if you’re looking for somewhere with that effortless cool factor.

Neighbourhood Highlights in Shoreditch

  • Finding Shoreditch’s Cool Street Art – explore with this self-guided tour and map. 
  • Drinking at the Endless Cocktail Bars – you’re always spoilt for choice when it comes to stellar drinks in Shoreditch. 
  • Take a Stroll Along Brick Lane – lined with curry houses and cool markets, there’s never a dull moment on Brick Lane. 

Suggested Shoreditch Hotels in London

  • Ace Hotel – ultra-cool Shoreditch calls for an ultra-cool hotel, like bustling ACE which is popular amongst creative types
  • The Mondrian – a Moroccan-inspired hotel in Shoreditch? It might not sound like it works but, oh boy, it really does.

Read Next: The Shoreditch Area Guide: Cool Things to do and Places to Visit 

Holborn & Bloomsbury

Views in Holborn

The boundary between Holborn and Bloomsbury is fairly blurred, no matter though – both are worth exploring. 

Home to one of London’s biggest and best museums (The British Museum in case you were wondering) as well as many a literary haunt hailing from the days when Bloomsbury was home to leading writers such as Virginia Woolf and E.M Forster. 

All of this combines to create an area with a more high-brow, academic feel.

Both neighbourhoods are safe and clean, with Bloomsbury being a little more residential than Holborn. So if you’d like to base yourself in a central location without the frenetic pace – these could be perfect.

Holborn and Bloomsbury Highlights

  • The British Museum – Delve into the world of history, ancient and modern in the museum’s extensive collections.
  • Sir John Soane’s Museum – One of London’s quirkiest collections lies on a square behind Holborn station. You can even visit the museum when it’s lit up by candlelight once a month. 
  • The Brunswick Centre – Forget the better-known Barbican, The Brunswick is an ode to Brutalist design. 

Suggested Holburn and Bloomsbury Hotels in London

  • The Montague on the Gardens – a charming 4-star hotel that offers pretty views over the nearby garden
  • Kimpton Fitzroy London – a beautiful luxury hotel situated in a stunning historic building
  • The Hoxton, Holborn – Confusing names aside, this is a cooler than cool hotel with a great restaurant downstairs too.

King’s Cross 

Word on the Water

King’s Cross used to have a reputation as a bit rough and ready. It’s undergone quite the reinvention in recent years though, and today is a great option for a home base. 

Not to mention it’s in close proximity to central London’s neighbourhoods.

You’ll now find lots of cool shops and eateries located in the old canalside warehouses, while a new cool bar seems to pop up every weekend.

One of the most enduring highlights of King’s Cross, however, is the chance to stroll along the Regent’s Canal – don’t forget to pop into Word on the Water – a cute bookshop on an old barge. 

King’s Cross Neighbourhood Highlights 

  • Regent’s Canal – want to escape the urban sprawl? Take a leisurely stroll along the banks of this cute canal. 
  • Word on the Water – One of our favourite bookshops in London , Word on the Water is the perfect place to pick up your next great read. 
  • Hunt out Some of London’s Best-Known Harry Potter Filming Locations – There are plenty of them dotted around the area. 

Suggested King’s Cross Hotels in London

  • The Standard London – A luxury hotel that although large (with 266 rooms) still has plenty of character and charm
  • Pullman London St Pancras – a very modern chain hotel that’s perfectly situated for the St Pancras railway station

Read Next: King’s Cross Area Guide

Clerkenwell, Farringdon & St Paul’s 

Front of St Paul's Cathedral

Cool without being pretentious, Clerkenwell, Farringdon and St Paul’s are hidden gems that are home to some of our favourite restaurants and cocktail bars. They rarely make it onto lists of the best neighborhoods of London, which is a shame as they have a lot to offer, even to visitors. 

Maybe it’s because you can walk around without being overrun by tourists (well, unless you’re sitting on the steps of St Paul’s), but they’re some of our favourite areas in London. 

Much like Soho, they haven’t always had a stellar reputation – in Victorian times, Farringdon was known as a meeting spot for pickpockets.

Don’t worry, today you – and your belongings – will be totally safe enjoying the hip cafes, bars, boutiques and restaurants of these neighbourhoods.

One of the highlights of these neighbourhoods are the many great markets to visit, including street food hotspots Exmouth Market and Leather Lane, as well as some rather brilliant pubs .

Clerkenwell & Farringdon Highlights

  • Oriole – Ditch Nightjar, the bar’s famous older sister in Shoreditch, Oriole is the place to go for cocktails with a fin-de-siecle vibe. 
  • Exmouth Market – Lined with some of London’s best restaurants, Exmouth Market is always a good choice for a tasty dinner. 
  • St Paul’s Cathedral – Hard to believe that when it was built, St Paul’s Cathedral was the tallest building in London. Not hard to believe that it was its most impressive – it’s still a strong contender for the title today. 

Suggested Hotels Clerkenwell and Farringdon 

  • Fox and Anchor – Get the real London experience by staying inside this authentic pub, which offers rooms with plenty of charm and a touch of luxury
  • The Zetter Townhouse Clerkenwell – A fabulously quirky hotel inside an old townhouse, which also offers up a great cocktail bar

Read Next: The Farringdon Area Guide

The Wallace Collection

Marylebone is especially popular with the well-heeled crowd, who flock to the many luxury boutiques and stores that are dotted throughout.

That’s not to say that all Marylebone offers is a chance to splash your cash – far from it. It also has cultural attractions, like the Wallace Collection (one of London’s lesser-known free museums ), and great foodie spots too.

It’s also convenient for other attractions including Regent’s Park, the Sherlock Holmes Museum and Madam Tassaud’s. 

The other sights of London are just a short tube (or brisk walk) away – making it one of the top neighborhoods to visit in London.

Neighbourhood Highlights in Marylebone

  • The Wallace Collection – A traditional art collection housed in a former aristocratic mansion. 
  • Visit Baker Street – The street made famous by Arthur Conan-Doyle’s legendary sleuth Sherlock Holmes. Don’t miss the Sherlock Holmes Museum either. 
  • Take a Stroll through Regent’s Park – one of the prettiest parks in London . 

Suggested Marylebone Hotels in London

  • Zetter Townhouse – this gloriously quirky hotel is hands-down one of our favourite London hotels. Boring chain hotel decor, be gone.
  • The Langham Hotel – a luxurious hotel with an excellent bar and restaurant to boot

Read Next: The Best Things to do in Marylebone – An Insider’s Guide

Most famously associated with the beloved bear, Paddington might not be as popular a place to stay in London but it’s a good base, thanks to great transport connections and lots of cool spots within striking distance.

It’s no surprise – this borough borders onto hotspots Mayfair and Marylebone, making it super convenient for attractions including Kensington Palace.

Another plus for Paddington is that while it’s super convenient for these swish places, it doesn’t carry the same price tag.

If you’d prefer to stay within Paddington, there’s a good selection of shops, markets and cafes to enjoy here.

Neighbourhood Highlights in Paddington

  • The Rolling Bridge – You won’t believe us, but this bridge really does roll out over the water. 
  • Paddington Basin – Less hyped than nearby Little Venice, Paddington Basis is nonetheless a nice place to spend time by the water. 

Suggested Hotels in Paddington

  • The PILGRM – perfect if you’re on a budget, this hotel offers luxury for less – just with a couple of quirks (like a lack of reception).
  • The Chilworth – an elegant hotel that offers a convenient location near to many transport links.

Camden Market

Like King’s Cross, Camden is popular with visitors looking to do a little less damage to their wallet while staying in London town.

It’s long been proudly alternative, in a similar way to Shoreditch. You’ll find some cool street art and lots of quirky vintage shops here.

If it’s fashion you’re after, then you can’t miss the famous Camden Market. This canalside market is popular with both locals and visitors, and is the perfect place to pick up some new, cool threads.

Camden’s also filled with some of London’s best street food : KERB Camden is located in the market and offers everything from filthy vegan burgers to light Mediterranean snacks.

At night, we recommend hitting up some of the live music venues – because of this, it’s one of our favourite areas of London to explore.

Camden Highlights

  • Street Art – Camden is another of London’s best-known street art hubs. Take a wander and find your new favourite piece using this guide. 
  • Camden Market – There are actually quite a few markets dotted around Camden, and they still form the epicentre of London’s alternative shopping scene. 
  • Regent’s Park – Want to get away from the crowds? Find yourself a patch of grass in Regent’s Park. 

Suggested Camden Hotels in London

  • Camden Enterprise Hotel – a modern hotel located inside a beautiful old Victorian building

Read Next: Cool Things to do in Camden

Further Afield: Exploring Different London Neighbourhoods Outside the Centre

East london.

Columbia Road Flower Market

Centuries ago, East London was the rough fringe of the city – this is, afterall, the region of Jack the Ripper and other dark figures of London’s history.

Today, however, it is the poster child for urban renewal, home to many fabulously cool areas in London such as Hackney and Bethnal Green.

While these are a little further out for the most iconic London attractions, there’s good transport links with the Tube. Plus, they have many attractions in their own right.

One highlight of East London is the many great markets to browse. From fashionable Brick Lane to the explosion of colour that is the Columbia Road Flower Market , it’s a great place to shop.

Read Next: East London Guide

West London 

The Deer in Richmond Park

West London is famous for its many cultural institutions, from galleries to arthouse theatres. It’s also a popular residential hotspot, thanks to its beauty and ease of getting around.

Prices here tend to be a little bit steeper than over on the east, but in return you’ll be in the heart of some of London’s best shopping, dining and sightseeing.

Areas including Chiswick, Chelsea , Hammersmith, Richmond (with its famous Richmond Park ) and Putney are all gorgeous areas in West London. 

Chelsea is great if you hope to spend plenty of time sipping coffee in a picturesque cafe or shopping along the famous King’s Road – while Hammersmith (and nearby Shepherd’s Bush) are legendary players in the live music scene. 

Don’t forget to swing by the iconic Kew Gardens either. 

North London 

Little Venice

Heading further north, London becomes quite eclectic – with everything from village-y feeling neighbourhoods to popular nightlife hotspots.

Areas like Little Venice , Hampstead Heath and Highgate (home to the famous cemetery ) are far more laidback than their inner city counterparts, and perfect if you like things a little more peaceful.

On the other hand, Islington and nearby Angel are far more bustling. Here, you can expect to be amongst a great selection of boutiques, restaurants and artsy theatres – check out what’s on at The Almeida for starters.

South London 

Street Art in Brixton by Mr Cenz

Many city dwellers call the areas in South London home, as many neighbourhoods boast ample green space and that sought after village-y, community feel.

That’s not to say that South London is sleepy – far from it. You’ll still find plenty of great shops, bars and pubs (of course) in these areas.

Some hotspots in South London include, Peckham , Clapham , lively Brixton and eclectic Tooting.

The Best Areas in London: Frequently Asked Questions

On your first-time visit to London, you’ll probably want to cross off as many big ticket items as possible. So, we recommend staying as central as possible.  Westminster, London Bridge and South Bank are all ideal London neighbourhoods for tourists as they’ll keep you close to the action.

If your favourite transport option is your own two feet, then we recommend sticking to the area between Tower Bridge in the East and Victoria in the West – preferably within ½ mile of the river. Anywhere here will have you in walking distance of the sights – with some popular options being Westminster, Covent Garden, London Bridge or The City.

As mentioned above, choosing the best neighbourhood in London is kind of like choosing your favourite child. You love them all equally, because they’re all unique (or at least that’s what we were told as kids). Overall, however, you really can’t go past the convenience of Covent Garden, South Bank and London Bridge. These are great bases, with excellent transport links that will have you exploring the rest of London in a jiffy.

This seems to change from week to week as house prices in London push ever higher, but generally the most affluent areas in London are:  Kensington  Chelsea Knightsbridge Mayfair  Notting Hill and  Westminster  The list could go on…

Well, isn’t that the million-pound question? We would pick Brixton, Shoreditch and Peckham if you’re looking for happening areas with a lot of local culture.  If money’s no object, Notting Hill strikes the right balance between being chi-chi yet still actually lovely rather than just a bit sickening and dull.

Practical Tips to Consider Before Booking Your London Accommodation

  • The Tube is your friend when getting from neighbourhood to neighbourhood. We recommend picking accommodation that is close to a stop, so you can get around quickly and easily. That said, London is very walkable so if you’re willing to put in the miles, you need never get on public transport at all. 
  • It’s no surprise that the more central you are, the more you can expect to pay. If you are on a budget, consider staying a bit further out. The great public transport links means even places on the outskirts are easy to get to.
  • Great hotels in popular parts of London can book out quickly, especially if your visit coincides with a big event (like the Notting Hill Carnival). Book as soon as you can – especially since most hotels will offer free cancellation via Booking.com if your plans change.

Planning Your Stay in London: Read Next

  • 2 Days in London – A Step by Step Itinerary
  • The Best Things to do in London – 60 Cool Things You Shouldn’t Miss 
  • The London Sightseeing Guide – What to See and What to Skip 
  • What to Pack for London: Season by Season 

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London x London is the insider’s guide to discovering the best of London.

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Things To Do

31 Things To Do In Central London: A Comprehensive Guide

Discover the vibrant heart of London with our ultimate guide to things to do in central London. Uncover iconic landmarks, delve into history at world-class museums, indulge in retail therapy on bustling streets, savour diverse culinary delights, and immerse yourself in the thriving cultural scene of this cosmopolitan capital. From the grandeur of Buckingham Palace to the eclectic streets of Covent Garden, explore the best attractions and hidden gems that make central London a must-visit city.

Last Updated on 11 July, 2023

When planning a trip to London most people think of exploring central London. While London has plenty of attractions to visit in South London, North London, East London and West London, in this post we are going to be focusing on what to do in the heart of the city?

Central London is filled with iconic landmarks , vibrant neighbourhoods, and cultural attractions that will captivate and inspire you. Whether you’re a history enthusiast , a shopaholic , or a foodie , there’s something for everyone in this bustling metropolis.

Below, we’ll explore the best things to do in Central London, popular areas and neighbourhoods, recommended places to stay, and the top tours you shouldn’t miss. So, let’s dive in and discover the wonders of Central London!

Discover the vibrant heart of London with our ultimate guide to things to do in central London. Uncover iconic landmarks, delve into history at world-class museums, indulge in retail therapy on bustling streets, savour diverse culinary delights, and immerse yourself in the thriving cultural scene of this cosmopolitan capital. From the grandeur of Buckingham Palace to the eclectic streets of Covent Garden, explore the best attractions and hidden gems that make central London a must-visit city.

So,What Is Considered Central London?

Central London refers to the innermost part of the city, where many of the major attractions, historical sites, and cultural hubs are located. It is home to renowned landmarks like Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, and the British Museum.

Central London encompasses various areas and neighbourhoods that offer distinct experiences and showcase the city’s rich history and vibrant culture. So within central London you might find parts of the city that are located within west, south and east London, which might seem confusing but hopefully the map below will also help.

Discover the vibrant heart of London with our ultimate guide to things to do in central London. Uncover iconic landmarks, delve into history at world-class museums, indulge in retail therapy on bustling streets, savour diverse culinary delights, and immerse yourself in the thriving cultural scene of this cosmopolitan capital. From the grandeur of Buckingham Palace to the eclectic streets of Covent Garden, explore the best attractions and hidden gems that make central London a must-visit city.

Notable Central London Areas and Neighbourhoods

Central London is a diverse and vibrant hub of culture, history, and entertainment. With its rich heritage and iconic landmarks, this bustling city center offers a multitude of experiences to both residents and visitors. From the elegant streets of Mayfair to the artistic vibes of Fitzrovia, each neighbourhood in Central London has its own unique charm. 

When considering where to stay in London you will find that many of these places feature on the list of London’s most desirable places to live as well as stay during a holiday in London. So, let’s explore some of the notable areas and neighbourhoods that make Central London a captivating destination.

Nestled between Regent’s Park and Oxford Street, Marylebone exudes a charming village atmosphere. This upscale neighbourhood is known for its elegant Georgian architecture, boutique shops, and quaint cafes . Explore the picturesque streets, visit the Wallace Collection , or indulge in some retail therapy on Marylebone High Street.

Discover the vibrant heart of London with our ultimate guide to things to do in central London. Uncover iconic landmarks, delve into history at world-class museums, indulge in retail therapy on bustling streets, savour diverse culinary delights, and immerse yourself in the thriving cultural scene of this cosmopolitan capital. From the grandeur of Buckingham Palace to the eclectic streets of Covent Garden, explore the best attractions and hidden gems that make central London a must-visit city.

Fitzrovia is an artistic and bohemian enclave in the heart of Central London. This vibrant neighbourhood is a haven for creatives, with its art galleries, independent bookstores, and lively bars. Take a stroll through Charlotte Street, known for its dining scene, or visit the famous BT Tower for panoramic views of the city.

Home to the prestigious University of London, Bloomsbury is a haven for intellectuals and book lovers. Explore the British Museum, stroll through Russell Square, or visit the historic Bloomsbury Publishing House. The neighbourhood’s leafy squares and literary connections make it a delightful place to wander.

Pimlico is a residential neighbourhood known for its elegant Regency architecture and tranquil garden squares. Take a leisurely walk along the banks of the River Thames, visit the Tate Britain art gallery, or explore the vibrant cafes and shops of Warwick Way.

London Bridge

London Bridge is a bustling area on the southern bank of the River Thames. It is home to the iconic Tower Bridge , Borough Market , and the Shard . Explore the historical sites, indulge in gourmet delights at the market, or enjoy stunning views of the city from the Shard’s observation deck.

Discover the vibrant heart of London with our ultimate guide to things to do in central London. Uncover iconic landmarks, delve into history at world-class museums, indulge in retail therapy on bustling streets, savour diverse culinary delights, and immerse yourself in the thriving cultural scene of this cosmopolitan capital. From the grandeur of Buckingham Palace to the eclectic streets of Covent Garden, explore the best attractions and hidden gems that make central London a must-visit city.

Located between the West End and the City of London, Holborn is a vibrant neighbourhood with a mix of commercial and residential areas. Discover its legal and literary history, visit the renowned British Museum, or explore the charming independent shops and cafes along Lamb’s Conduit Street.

Nestled between the City of London and the River Thames, Temple is a historic area known for its legal institutions and beautiful gardens. Explore the intricate architecture of the Temple Church, take a stroll along the Embankment Gardens, or visit the iconic Royal Courts of Justice.

Charing Cross

Charing Cross is a bustling junction and transport hub that marks the geographical center of London. It is home to the iconic Trafalgar Square , where you can admire Nelson’s Column and the National Gallery. Explore the vibrant streets, dine in the charming restaurants, or catch a performance at the nearby West End theaters.

Covent Garden

Covent Garden is a lively and vibrant district famous for its street performers, theaters, and bustling markets. Explore the elegant piazza, catch a show in one of the theaters, or indulge in retail therapy at the trendy boutiques and market stalls. Don’t forget to visit the Royal Opera House for a world-class performance.

Discover the vibrant heart of London with our ultimate guide to things to do in central London. Uncover iconic landmarks, delve into history at world-class museums, indulge in retail therapy on bustling streets, savour diverse culinary delights, and immerse yourself in the thriving cultural scene of this cosmopolitan capital. From the grandeur of Buckingham Palace to the eclectic streets of Covent Garden, explore the best attractions and hidden gems that make central London a must-visit city.

St James’s

St James’s is an upscale neighbourhood known for its prestigious gentlemen’s clubs, luxury shops, and royal connections. Take a leisurely walk through St James’s Park, visit the iconic Buckingham Palace , or explore the exclusive shops on Jermyn Street.

Westminster

Westminster is the political and administrative heart of London. This iconic neighbourhood is home to the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey. Explore the grand architecture, take a walk along the River Thames, or visit the Churchill War Rooms for a glimpse into the city’s wartime history.

Clerkenwell

Clerkenwell is a vibrant and creative neighbourhood known for its design studios, artisanal coffee shops, and historic pubs. Discover the contemporary architecture, visit the iconic Smithfield Market, or immerse yourself in the neighbourhood’s artistic vibes at the Barbican Centre.

Soho is a vibrant and eclectic neighbourhood known for its lively nightlife , entertainment venues, and diverse dining scene. Discover the trendy bars, visit the iconic music venues, or explore the independent boutiques and quirky shops. Soho’s vibrant atmosphere makes it a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike.

Discover the vibrant heart of London with our ultimate guide to things to do in central London. Uncover iconic landmarks, delve into history at world-class museums, indulge in retail therapy on bustling streets, savour diverse culinary delights, and immerse yourself in the thriving cultural scene of this cosmopolitan capital. From the grandeur of Buckingham Palace to the eclectic streets of Covent Garden, explore the best attractions and hidden gems that make central London a must-visit city.

City of London

The City of London, also known as the Square Mile, is the historic and financial center of the city. Explore the iconic skyscrapers, visit St Paul’s Cathedral, St Dunstan In The East , or wander through the narrow medieval streets. The City is a blend of modernity and history, reflecting London’s status as a global financial hub.

St Katharine’s Dock

St Katharine’s Dock is a picturesque marina nestled next to the Tower of London. It offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city streets, with its yachts, waterside restaurants, and charming shops. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the marina, dine al fresco, or take a boat tour along the River Thames.

Waterloo is a vibrant neighbourhood known for its cultural attractions, including the renowned Old Vic theater and the Southbank Centre. Visit the iconic London Eye , explore the vibrant Southbank, or enjoy a performance at one of the many theaters and music venues in the area.

Knightsbridge

Knightsbridge is a prestigious neighbourhood renowned for its luxury department store s and high-end fashion boutiques on Brompton Road and nearby Sloane Street . Indulge in a shopping spree at Harrods or Harvey Nichols, explore the picturesque Hyde Park, or visit the elegant Mandarin Oriental hotel.

Discover the vibrant heart of London with our ultimate guide to things to do in central London. Uncover iconic landmarks, delve into history at world-class museums, indulge in retail therapy on bustling streets, savour diverse culinary delights, and immerse yourself in the thriving cultural scene of this cosmopolitan capital. From the grandeur of Buckingham Palace to the eclectic streets of Covent Garden, explore the best attractions and hidden gems that make central London a must-visit city.

Paddington is a lively and cosmopolitan neighbourhood with a mix of residential and commercial areas. It is famous for its beautiful canal, charming garden squares, and the iconic Paddington Station. Take a leisurely walk along the canal, visit Little Venice , or explore the nearby Regent’s Park.

Victoria is a bustling area that serves as a major transport hub and commercial center. It is home to the iconic Victoria Station, the Apollo Victoria Theatre, and the popular Victoria Palace Theatre. Explore the bustling streets, visit the nearby Buckingham Palace, or enjoy shopping at Cardinal Place.

Belgravia is an affluent neighbourhood known for its grand Victorian townhouses, picturesque garden squares, and upscale boutiques. Take a leisurely stroll through the charming streets, visit the exclusive shops on Elizabeth Street, or relax in one of the tranquil garden squares.

Mayfair is synonymous with luxury and opulence. This exclusive neighbourhood is home to high-end fashion boutiques , Michelin-starred restaurants, and grand Georgian townhouses. Take a stroll along Bond Street, explore the picturesque Grosvenor Square, or enjoy a leisurely afternoon in one of the charming garden squares.

Discover the vibrant heart of London with our ultimate guide to things to do in central London. Uncover iconic landmarks, delve into history at world-class museums, indulge in retail therapy on bustling streets, savour diverse culinary delights, and immerse yourself in the thriving cultural scene of this cosmopolitan capital. From the grandeur of Buckingham Palace to the eclectic streets of Covent Garden, explore the best attractions and hidden gems that make central London a must-visit city.

Map of Central London Neighbourhoods

These are just a few of the notable areas and neighbourhoods that make Central London a captivating destination. Each district has its own distinct character and appeal, offering a unique experience to those who explore them. From the elegance of Mayfair to the artistic vibes of Fitzrovia, there is something for everyone in Central London.

So, when you’re planning your visit to Central London, make sure to immerse yourself in the charm and diversity of these neighbourhoods. Whether you’re interested in history, art, shopping, or simply soaking up the vibrant atmosphere, each area has its own treasures waiting to be discovered. Explore the iconic landmarks, wander the picturesque streets, and indulge in the local cuisine and culture. Central London is a true melting pot of experiences, and it’s yours to explore.

Now that we have a better understanding of Central London and its various areas, let’s delve into the top things to do in this vibrant city center.

Things To Do in Central London

Central London offers a plethora of attractions and activities that cater to different interests. Whether you’re a culture vulture, a history buff, or a fan of shopping and entertainment, you’ll find plenty of options to keep you engaged. Let’s explore some of the top things to do in Central London:

1. Buckingham Palace

A trip to Central London would be incomplete without a visit to Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the British monarch. Witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony and marvel at the exquisite architecture of this iconic landmark. Don’t forget to explore the beautiful gardens surrounding the palace. You can book tours to the palace and Changing of the Guard ceremony here .

Discover the vibrant heart of London with our ultimate guide to things to do in central London. Uncover iconic landmarks, delve into history at world-class museums, indulge in retail therapy on bustling streets, savour diverse culinary delights, and immerse yourself in the thriving cultural scene of this cosmopolitan capital. From the grandeur of Buckingham Palace to the eclectic streets of Covent Garden, explore the best attractions and hidden gems that make central London a must-visit city.

2. Oxford Street

For all the shopaholics out there, Oxford Street is a dream come true. With over 300 shops, it is one of the busiest shopping streets in Europe. From high-end fashion brands to popular department stores, you’ll find everything you need for a fantastic shopping experience.

3. Covent Garden

Covent Garden is a vibrant district renowned for its lively atmosphere, street performers, bus and the famous Covent Garden Market . Explore the market’s stalls offering unique crafts, antiques, and delicious street food . Catch a show at the Royal Opera House or enjoy a drink at one of the many trendy bars and restaurants.

4. British Museum

Immerse yourself in history and culture at the British Museum. Home to a vast collection of artifacts from around the world, this museum showcases human history and culture spanning over two million years. Marvel at ancient Egyptian mummies, the Rosetta Stone, and the Elgin Marbles.

Discover the vibrant heart of London with our ultimate guide to things to do in central London. Uncover iconic landmarks, delve into history at world-class museums, indulge in retail therapy on bustling streets, savour diverse culinary delights, and immerse yourself in the thriving cultural scene of this cosmopolitan capital. From the grandeur of Buckingham Palace to the eclectic streets of Covent Garden, explore the best attractions and hidden gems that make central London a must-visit city.

5. Tate Modern

Art enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the opportunity to visit Tate Modern, one of the world’s leading contemporary art museums. Explore the vast collection of modern and contemporary artworks from renowned artists, attend thought-provoking exhibitions, and enjoy the stunning views from the museum’s terrace.

6. The Shard

For breathtaking panoramic views of London, head to The Shard . Soaring above the city skyline , this iconic skyscraper offers an unparalleled perspective of the city. Enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants or bars on the upper floors and take in the awe-inspiring vistas. The Shard is also where you will find one of London’s hotels with stunning views by way of the amazing Shangri-La Hotel .

Discover the vibrant heart of London with our ultimate guide to things to do in central London. Uncover iconic landmarks, delve into history at world-class museums, indulge in retail therapy on bustling streets, savour diverse culinary delights, and immerse yourself in the thriving cultural scene of this cosmopolitan capital. From the grandeur of Buckingham Palace to the eclectic streets of Covent Garden, explore the best attractions and hidden gems that make central London a must-visit city.

7. Borough Market

Indulge in a culinary adventure at Borough Market , one of London’s oldest and most famous food markets . Sample delicious street food, browse through the stalls selling fresh produce, and discover unique ingredients from all around the world. It’s a paradise for food lovers.

8. Shoreditch

If you’re looking for a vibrant and trendy neighbourhood, Shoreditch is the place to be. Known for its street art, independent boutiques , and hipster cafes, Shoreditch is a hub of creativity and innovation. Explore the vibrant street art scene and immerse yourself in the trendy atmosphere.

Discover the vibrant heart of London with our ultimate guide to things to do in central London. Uncover iconic landmarks, delve into history at world-class museums, indulge in retail therapy on bustling streets, savour diverse culinary delights, and immerse yourself in the thriving cultural scene of this cosmopolitan capital. From the grandeur of Buckingham Palace to the eclectic streets of Covent Garden, explore the best attractions and hidden gems that make central London a must-visit city.

9. Garden At 120

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city at Garden At 120 . Located on the rooftop of 120 Fenchurch Street, this hidden gem offers a tranquil oasis with stunning views of London’s skyline. Take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the serene beauty of the garden.

10. Tower Bridge

No visit to Central London is complete without crossing the iconic Tower Bridge . Admire the impressive Victorian engineering and enjoy the panoramic views of the River Thames from the high-level walkways. Don’t forget to visit the Tower Bridge Exhibition to learn more about its fascinating history.

11. Southbank

Stroll along the vibrant Southbank promenade and soak up the lively atmosphere and dine at the many cool bars and  restaurants on Southbank. With its street performers, skate park, and diverse range of cultural venues an amazing food market , Southbank offers something for everyone. Visit the Southbank Centre, catch a performance at the National Theatre, or enjoy a riverside picnic.

Discover the vibrant heart of London with our ultimate guide to things to do in central London. Uncover iconic landmarks, delve into history at world-class museums, indulge in retail therapy on bustling streets, savour diverse culinary delights, and immerse yourself in the thriving cultural scene of this cosmopolitan capital. From the grandeur of Buckingham Palace to the eclectic streets of Covent Garden, explore the best attractions and hidden gems that make central London a must-visit city.

12. London Eye

Experience breathtaking views of the city from the London Eye, the giant Ferris wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames. Take a ride in one of the glass capsules and enjoy a bird’s-eye view of London’s iconic landmarks, including Big Ben and Buckingham Palace. There are also plenty of amazing hotels near London Eye for those that want to stay with views of the Thames and London Eye from your room.

13. Piccadilly Circus

Known as the “Times Square of London,” Piccadilly Circus is a bustling intersection and a popular meeting point. Admire the vibrant neon signs, explore the surrounding theaters, and soak up the energetic atmosphere. It’s a great spot for shopping, dining, and entertainment.

14. Tower of London

Delve into history at the Tower of London, a historic castle located on the north bank of the River Thames. Discover the stories behind the Crown Jewels, explore the medieval architecture, and learn about the tower’s fascinating past. Join a guided tour to make the most of your visit. Be sure to check our our list of castles near London for more on this type of attraction.

Discover the vibrant heart of London with our ultimate guide to things to do in central London. Uncover iconic landmarks, delve into history at world-class museums, indulge in retail therapy on bustling streets, savour diverse culinary delights, and immerse yourself in the thriving cultural scene of this cosmopolitan capital. From the grandeur of Buckingham Palace to the eclectic streets of Covent Garden, explore the best attractions and hidden gems that make central London a must-visit city.

15. London Museums and Galleries

Central London is home to numerous world-class museums and galleries . From the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square to the Victoria and Albert Museum in South Kensington, art and history enthusiasts will find endless opportunities to indulge their passions.

16. Thames River Cruise

Embark on a scenic Thames River Cruise and admire the city’s landmarks from a unique perspective. Choose from various boat tours that offer informative commentary and enjoy the picturesque views of iconic sites like the Houses of Parliament, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the Tower Bridge.

17. Chinatown

Step into another world as you enter Chinatown in Central London. Indulge in authentic Chinese cuisine, explore the vibrant streets adorned with redlanterns and colorful decorations, and immerse yourself in the rich culture and traditions of this lively neighbourhood.

18. Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square is a vibrant public square in the heart of Central London. Admire the iconic Nelson’s Column, surrounded by majestic lion statues, and soak up the energetic atmosphere. Visit the National Gallery, located on the square, to explore an impressive collection of art.

Discover the vibrant heart of London with our ultimate guide to things to do in central London. Uncover iconic landmarks, delve into history at world-class museums, indulge in retail therapy on bustling streets, savour diverse culinary delights, and immerse yourself in the thriving cultural scene of this cosmopolitan capital. From the grandeur of Buckingham Palace to the eclectic streets of Covent Garden, explore the best attractions and hidden gems that make central London a must-visit city.

19. Kingly Court Food Court

Foodies will delight in the culinary delights of Kingly Court Food Court . This hidden gem is tucked away in the bustling streets of Soho and offers a variety of international cuisines, trendy bars, and rooftop dining options. Treat your taste buds to a gastronomic adventure.

20. National Gallery

Art lovers should not miss the chance to visit the National Gallery, one of the world’s greatest art museums. Explore the extensive collection of Western European paintings, including works by renowned artists such as Van Gogh, Monet, and Rembrandt.

21. Big Ben

No visit to London is complete without catching a glimpse of Big Ben. Although currently undergoing renovations, the iconic clock tower and its distinctive chimes remain an enduring symbol of the city. Take a walk along the banks of the River Thames for the best views.

Discover the vibrant heart of London with our ultimate guide to things to do in central London. Uncover iconic landmarks, delve into history at world-class museums, indulge in retail therapy on bustling streets, savour diverse culinary delights, and immerse yourself in the thriving cultural scene of this cosmopolitan capital. From the grandeur of Buckingham Palace to the eclectic streets of Covent Garden, explore the best attractions and hidden gems that make central London a must-visit city.

22. St Paul’s Cathedral

Marvel at the architectural masterpiece that is St Paul’s Cathedral. Climb to the top of the dome for panoramic views of the city, explore the stunning interior, and learn about the history of this iconic place of worship. Don’t miss the chance to attend a choral or organ recital.

23. Spitalfields Market

Discover a vibrant mix of food, fashion, and art at Spitalfields Market . Located in the trendy East End, this bustling market offers a unique shopping experience. Browse through the stalls selling vintage clothing, handmade crafts, and artisanal food products.

24. Duck And Waffle Brunch

Indulge in a delicious brunch with a view at Duck and Waffle . Located on the 40th floor of a skyscraper, this renowned restaurant offers panoramic views of the city skyline. Try their signature dish, duck confit on a waffle, and savor the culinary delights while enjoying breathtaking vistas.

Discover the vibrant heart of London with our ultimate guide to things to do in central London. Uncover iconic landmarks, delve into history at world-class museums, indulge in retail therapy on bustling streets, savour diverse culinary delights, and immerse yourself in the thriving cultural scene of this cosmopolitan capital. From the grandeur of Buckingham Palace to the eclectic streets of Covent Garden, explore the best attractions and hidden gems that make central London a must-visit city.

25. The Courtauld Gallery

Art aficionados should visit The Courtauld Gallery, known for its exceptional collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces. Admire works by Monet, Van Gogh, and Renoir in the elegant surroundings of Somerset House.

26. The Churchill War Rooms

Step back in time and explore the underground bunker that served as Winston Churchill’s wartime headquarters during World War II. The Churchill War Rooms provide a fascinating insight into the life and leadership of one of Britain’s most iconic figures.

27. Sky Garden

Experience the beauty of nature amidst the cityscape at Sky Garden . Located at the top of a skyscraper, this lush urban oasis offers panoramic views of London’s skyline. Wander through the landscaped gardens, enjoy a drink at the rooftop bar, and soak up the breathtaking views.

Discover the vibrant heart of London with our ultimate guide to things to do in central London. Uncover iconic landmarks, delve into history at world-class museums, indulge in retail therapy on bustling streets, savour diverse culinary delights, and immerse yourself in the thriving cultural scene of this cosmopolitan capital. From the grandeur of Buckingham Palace to the eclectic streets of Covent Garden, explore the best attractions and hidden gems that make central London a must-visit city.

28. Hyde Park

Escape the urban hustle and bustle in Hyde Park , one of London’s largest and most famous parks. Take a leisurely stroll, rent a pedal boat on the Serpentine lake, or have a picnic amidst beautiful greenery. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Speaker’s Corner, where free speech and lively debates thrive.

29. Monument to the Great Fire of London

Climb to the top of the Monument to the Great Fire of London for panoramic views of the city. This towering column commemorates the devastating fire that swept through London in 1666. Challenge yourself to climb the 311 steps and be rewarded with a breathtaking view.

29. Leadenhall Market

Step into a world of Victorian elegance at Leadenhall Market . With its stunning architecture and charming atmosphere, this covered market is a delight to explore. Browse through the boutique shops, dine in the traditional pubs, or simply marvel at the enchanting surroundings.

Discover the vibrant heart of London with our ultimate guide to things to do in central London. Uncover iconic landmarks, delve into history at world-class museums, indulge in retail therapy on bustling streets, savour diverse culinary delights, and immerse yourself in the thriving cultural scene of this cosmopolitan capital. From the grandeur of Buckingham Palace to the eclectic streets of Covent Garden, explore the best attractions and hidden gems that make central London a must-visit city.

31. HMS Belfast

Explore the historic warship HMS Belfast, moored on the River Thames near Tower Bridge. Step on board and discover what life was like for the crew during World War II and beyond. Explore the decks, engine rooms, and interactive exhibits that bring the ship’s history to life.

These are just a few of the many incredible attractions and activities that await you in Central London. Whether you’re interested in history, art, shopping, or simply soaking up the vibrant atmosphere, Central London has it all.

Where to Stay in Central London?

Choosing the right accommodation is crucial for a memorable stay in Central London. Here are a few highly recommended options:

  • NYX Hotel London Holborn : Unwind at this luxurious hotel, offering a spa, gym, and proximity to popular attractions like Leicester Square and the British Museum. Learn more about NYX Hotel London Holborn.
  • Sea Containers London : Enjoy a riverside setting close to iconic attractions like the London Eye and the Tate Modern. This stylish hotel features excellent amenities, including a world-class restaurant and a working cinema. Book your stay at Sea Containers London.
  • Park Grand London Kensington : Culture enthusiasts will love this hotel’s proximity to the “Museum Mile” and its fitness facilities. Indulge in the world-class restaurant after a day of exploring art and history. Find out more about Park Grand London Kensington.
  • Inhabit, Southwick Street : For a more intimate experience, this luxurious yet laid-back hotel is an excellent choice. It offers a vegan-friendly cafe and running paths to help you explore the beautiful surroundings. Discover Inhabit, Southwick Street.

With these exceptional accommodations, your stay in Central London is sure to be comfortable and convenient, allowing you to make the most of your time in the city.

Discover the vibrant heart of London with our ultimate guide to things to do in central London. Uncover iconic landmarks, delve into history at world-class museums, indulge in retail therapy on bustling streets, savour diverse culinary delights, and immerse yourself in the thriving cultural scene of this cosmopolitan capital. From the grandeur of Buckingham Palace to the eclectic streets of Covent Garden, explore the best attractions and hidden gems that make central London a must-visit city.

Best Tours in Central London

Exploring Central London on a guided tour can enhance your experience and provide valuable insights into the city’s history and culture. Here are some of the best tours you can take in Central London:

  • Historical Walking Tour : Join a knowledgeable guide on a historical walking tour to discover the hidden gems and fascinating stories of Central London’s iconic landmarks and neighbourhoods.
  • Royal London Tour : Embark on a tour that explores the regal side of Central London, including visits to Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and Kensington Palace.
  • Harry Potter Tour : Delve into the magical world of Harry Potter by taking a guided tour that visits filming locations, such as Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross Station and the inspiration behind Diagon Alley.
  • Thames River Cruise : Enjoy a relaxing cruise along the River Thames, taking in the stunning views of Central London’s landmarks while listening to informative commentary about the city’s history.
  • Gourmet Food Tour : Indulge in a culinary adventure through Central London’s diverse food scene. Sample delectable treats from Borough Market, Chinatown, and other gastronomic hotspots.
  • Street Art Tour : Discover the vibrant street art scene of East London on a guided tour that explores the ever-changing muralsand graffiti in neighbourhoods like Shoreditch and Brick Lane.

These are just a few examples of the best tours available in Central London. Depending on your interests, you can find specialized tours focusing on architecture, literature, fashion, and more. Joining a guided tour is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the history, culture, and hidden gems of this vibrant city.

Discover the vibrant heart of London with our ultimate guide to things to do in central London. Uncover iconic landmarks, delve into history at world-class museums, indulge in retail therapy on bustling streets, savour diverse culinary delights, and immerse yourself in the thriving cultural scene of this cosmopolitan capital. From the grandeur of Buckingham Palace to the eclectic streets of Covent Garden, explore the best attractions and hidden gems that make central London a must-visit city.

FAQs About Things To Do in Central London

1. What is considered Central London?

Central London refers to the innermost part of the city, where many of the major attractions, historical sites, and cultural hubs are located. It includes areas such as Westminster, Covent Garden, Soho, and the City of London.

2. What are some notable areas and neighbourhoods in Central London?

Central London is home to several notable areas and neighbourhoods, including Marylebone, Fitzrovia, Covent Garden, Soho, Westminster, and Kensington.

3. What are the must-visit attractions in Central London?

Some of the must-visit attractions in Central London include Buckingham Palace, the British Museum, the Tower of London, the Shard, and the Tate Modern.

4. Where can I find the best shopping in Central London?

Oxford Street, Covent Garden, and Kingly Court Food Court are popular destinations for shopping enthusiasts in Central London.

5. What are some recommended places to stay in Central London?

Recommended places to stay in Central London include NYX Hotel London Holborn, Sea Containers London, Park Grand London Kensington, and Inhabit, Southwick Street.

6. Are there any guided tours available in Central London?

Yes, there are numerous guided tours available in Central London. Some popular options include historical walking tours, royal London tours, Harry Potter tours, Thames River cruises, gourmet food tours, and street art tours.

There you have it, our guide to Central London. A vibrant and diverse destination that offers an array of attractions, activities, and experiences for visitors to enjoy. From iconic landmarks and world-class museums to bustling markets and charming neighbourhoods, there’s something for everyone in this bustling city center.

Whether you’re interested in history, art, shopping, or simply soaking up the vibrant atmosphere, Central London will captivate and inspire you. So, pack your bags, prepare your itinerary , and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the British capital!

Bianca

My name is Bianca and welcome to my local guide of London's Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea. Everything you need to know about exploring London in addition to the coolest hangouts and Instagrammable spots.

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10 Best Scenic Walks in London

Where are the best places to explore london on foot.

In a sprawling city such as London, there are numerous scenic walks in different neighborhoods to enjoy. Avoid the temptation to jump on the underground and instead observe the sights above ground once in a while. If you’re happy to take some steps, the capital offers many famous landmarks and historical sights to see.

London also has plenty of green space to explore on foot and is home to 8 royal parks boasting beautiful gardens, wildlife, family-friendly attractions and city views. Plus, you might be surprised to find some more rural, off-the-beaten-path routes on the outskirts of the city if you fancy a more peaceful pace.

Blackheath to Greenwich Pier

Discover the best sights in greenwich with this scenic walk.

map of london places to visit

A walk from Blackheath to Greenwich Pier takes you through Greenwich Park, one of London’s 8 royal parks and home to the Prime Meridian, which serves as the reference point for Greenwich Mean Time. The Royal Observatory is also found in Greenwich Park, along with Queens House and several gorgeous gardens, lawns and orchards.

Start your walk in the pretty village of Blackheath, southeast London, entering Greenwich Park at its southern border. The walk to Greenwich Pier is around 1.5 miles and will take you through the park, providing incredible views of London. The route will also take you past Greenwich Market and historical sights such as the Old Naval College and the Cutty Sark as you reach Greenwich Pier.

Location: Blackheath Village, Lewisham, London, UK

Olympic Park

Choose from a range of walking tours in london’s olympic park.

map of london places to visit

Located in east London, the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park was built for the 2012 Summer Olympics and Paralympics and is now a popular attraction to visit in the capital. Home to beautiful parklands, gardens, restaurants and bars; the park also features a state-of-the-art bathing pool and VeloPark available for public use.

Visit the Olympic Park website to find a selection of walking tours and trails to help you make the most of your visit – including a London 2012 trail, an art trail and a parkland and wildlife trail. If you’re visiting with kids, there is also a children’s adventure trail, as well as playgrounds, water fountains, bike tracks and a climbing wall to keep them entertained.

Location: Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London E20 2ST, UK

map of london places to visit

Waterloo Station in London

map of london places to visit

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map of london places to visit

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Crystal palace park, a family-friendly park to explore in southeast london.

map of london places to visit

If you’re in southeast London, Crystal Palace Park boasts 200 acres of Grade II* listed parklands just a 5-minute walk from Crystal Palace station. An almost 3-mile circular walk, based on Paxton’s Heritage Trail, will ensure you see all the main historical sites with a well-signposted route.

Planning to bring the family? The trail isn’t challenging, and the park has plenty of kid-friendly attractions to enjoy along the way. The dinosaur sculptures (dating back to 1852) are a must-see, along with a visit to the Crystal Palace Museum and children’s farm. There are also several playgrounds and a skate park, a Victorian circular maze and a boating lake, where you can hire pedalos.

Location: Thicket Rd, London SE19 2GA, UK

The Thames Path (Tower of London to Battersea Park)

Spot the south bank highlights from the thames path.

map of london places to visit

The Thames Path serves up some incredible London attractions and city views as you walk along the banks of the river. A moderately challenging route, it’s around 4.8 miles from the Tower of London to Battersea Park, but the sights you’ll see will make it well worth the effort.

Stroll to St Paul’s Cathedral and head over the Millennium Bridge to Shakespeare’s Globe and the Tate Modern. As you wander along the South Bank, you’ll pass the National Theater, the London Eye, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and Tate Britain. Plus, the end of the route takes you into Battersea Park, a 200-acre Victorian park with a riverside promenade and home to Battersea Children’s Zoo.

Location: London EC3N 4AB, UK

Regent's Canal (Paddington to Limehouse Basin)

Some of london’s best historical sights and landmarks.

map of london places to visit

If you’re looking for a longer walk through central London, you can see some of the city’s most famous landmarks as you wander along the Regent’s Canal. The walk from Paddington to Limehouse Basin is around 7 miles and takes you through some of the city’s fascinating and historical sights.

Start your route in Paddington, northwest London, and head through Hyde Park and St James – with glimpses of the Wellington Arch, Buckingham Palace and St James’s Palace along the way. Wander down the Mall and pass through Trafalgar Square, then head toward Somerset House, St Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London before reaching your final destination at Limehouse Basin.

Location: Tyburnia, London, UK

Designs of the Times

Take a self-guided tour of the city of london.

map of london places to visit

Designs of the Times is a self-guided walk through London that focuses on the history and architecture of the area’s most prominent buildings. This 90-minute tour will help you see the best of London’s financial district and provides a guide to many key attractions, such as St Paul’s Cathedral, the 350-year-old Temple Bar and Bloomberg Place.

Starting at the City Information Center, the walking tour takes you on a circular route, via Moorgate, Broadgate and Liverpool Street. You’ll wander through the heart of the city, taking in the spectacular modern highlights of the city skyline – and their various nicknames – including St Mary Ax (the gherkin), the Leadenhall Building (the cheese grater) and 20 Fenchurch Street (the walkie talkie).

Location: St. Paul's Churchyard, London EC4M 8BX, UK

Hampstead Heath Circular Walk

A huge park with bathing ponds and glorious city views.

map of london places to visit

Hampstead Heath is a beautiful green oasis in north London with 320 hectares of parklands, woods and meadows and accessible from Hampstead, Belsize Park and Gospel Oak tube stations. The perfect place for a summer picnic, family-friendly the heath contains bathing ponds, the Parliament Hill Fields lido, a wading pool and playgrounds to entertain the little ones.

There are 2 circular walking tours of Hampstead Heath – either 4.5 or 6.5 miles (depending on a stop at Highgate Cemetery and Highgate village). Both tours include the Parliament Hill viewpoint, Hampstead and Highgate ponds and Kenwood House, an impressive 18th century house. Take a moment to observe the fine art collection here, which includes works by Rembrandt, Vermeer and Turner.

Location: Hampstead Heath, London, UK

See the wild deer roam in London’s second largest royal park

map of london places to visit

At over 1000 acres, Bushy Park is the second largest of London’s royal parks and the perfect place for a leisurely stroll. Situated in the London Borough of Richmond, the park boasts beautiful grasslands, woods and waterways, along with a rich range of wildlife – from herons, kestrels and kingfishers to free-range wild deer.

There are various walking tours available in Bushy Park and it’s around 10km to cycle, run or walk around the perimeter loop. The Longford River is a lovely scenic route or you can enjoy a peaceful wander around the pretty Waterhouse Woodland Gardens, where you can also stop to rest and recharge at the Pheasantry Café.

Location: Bushy Park, London, UK

Capital Ring (Stoke Newington to Hackney Wick)

Take a scenic walk along north london’s capital ring.

map of london places to visit

You can find some of London’s most scenic walks on the capital ring, a route of 15 easy-to-walk sections covering 78 miles. The walk from Stoke Newington to Hackney Wick (section 13 of the Capital Ring) in Northeast London, covers 4 miles and is moderately challenging, taking around an hour and 20 minutes to complete.

The walk takes you through green-flag-awarded Springfield Park, home to several pretty gardens and conservation neighborhoods that are perfect for picnicking. You’ll then wander along Walthamstow and Hackney Marshes where you might see some street art. Much of the route is on the River Lea towpath as it heads into the Thames, with plenty of attractive views and wildlife to enjoy along the way.

Location: Stoke Newington, London, UK

London Loop (Petts Wood to West Wickham Common)

A rural walk along the london loop in bromley.

map of london places to visit

If you’re looking for a more rural walk away from the busy city centre, choose the London Outer Orbital Path (nicknamed the ‘London Loop’), a series of walks around the outer edge of the city. It’s a lovely way to discover the more scenic side of the capital and consists of 150 miles of signposted footpaths – often through historic parks and ancient woodlands.

The route from Petts Wood to West Wickham Common is just over 8 miles of woods, parkland and farming fields in the borough of Bromley in South London. Look out for the quaint villages of Farnborough and Keston, as well as Holwood House and the charming views of West Wickham as you head through to Wickham Common.

Location: Petts Wood, London, UK

This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.

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A Lady in London

A Lady in London

And Traveling the World

Lady’s 21 Beautiful Villages Near London You Have to See

Today I want to share my guide to the most beautiful villages near London. The English countryside is the stuff of dreams, and it’s worth a special trip to see the highlights. From Kent to Surrey, Sussex, and the Cotswolds, there are fairy-tale villages in easy driving, train, and tour distance of the UK capital. Read on for my top picks. I’ve included a map, too.

Villages Near London

Villages Near London

It’s hard to make a list of the best villages near London because there are so many of them. In fact, the whole of the English countryside is pretty. Some of the best places to visit in the UK are here.

From rolling hills to fluffy sheep, this green and pleasant land feels like something straight out of a storybook. But since it’s real and since I’ve set myself the task of making a list of some of the prettiest villages in England , I’m going to do my best.

Whether you’re looking for places with idyllic thatched-roof cottages, destinations for country breaks near London , or fun ideas for day trips from London by train or car, there’s a village you’ll love.

Castle Combe Village in England

1. Shere, Surrey

Down in Surrey , Shere is one of the most beautiful villages near London. With streets packed full of heritage buildings and a pretty pond full of ducks, this place has all the ingredients for a rural idyll.

Picture-pretty Shere is famous for being a filming location for The Holiday and the Bridget Jones movies. In fact, the church in the village was used in multiple Bridget Jones films.

The streets of Shere are everything one could dream of in an English country village, and pubs like the White Horse have historic interiors worthy of a leisurely Sunday lunch.

If this sounds like your kind of village, you can book a place to stay near Shere here . There’s a variety of options to choose from, including hotels and pubs with rooms.

Church in Shere, One of the Most Beautiful Villages in England

2. Castle Combe, Wiltshire

Next on my list of the best villages near London is Castle Combe. With its chocolate-box high street, picturesque side streets, and shops with teapot signs overhead, it has everything one could want in one place.

Castle Combe is one of the best villages in Wiltshire to explore, not least because of its picture-pretty houses and bridge over the By Brook river.

This quintessential village in the Cotswolds will get you dreaming about England. It makes a great day trip from London by car or overnight trip to Bath and the Cotswolds . You can also take a day tour from London to see Castle Combe. You can book one here .

If this sounds like your kind of village, you can reserve a place to stay in Castle Combe here . The most famous is The Manor House . It’s a real treat to call this hotel home-away-from-home. You can book your room here .

Castle Combe, England

3. Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire

Great Missenden is next on my list of the most beautiful villages near London. This place is famous for its Roald Dahl connections.

The famous children’s book author lived in the village for 36 years, and today there’s a museum dedicated to him in the heart of town.

But there’s more to see in the village beyond the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre. The High Street and Church Street are both lined with historic facades and listed buildings.

Roald Dahl Museum

Given the village is in the Chiltern Hills, there are lots of great walks and places to explore in nature around here, too. From Angling Spring Wood to Abbey Park, there’s no shortage of options.

This place is also accessible from London by direct train, so it’s an easy trip if you don’t have a car. I’ve done it before and I really enjoyed it.

If this sounds like your kind of village, you can book a place to stay in Great Missenden here . There’s a range of options to choose from, including hotels, cottages, and inns.

Houses in Great Missenden village

4. Bray, Berkshire

Next on my list of the best villages near London is Bray. This beautiful place in Berkshire is so close to London you can take the Elizabeth Line (plus a short taxi ride) to get here.

Once in town, there are some exciting things to do in Bray. The village streets are packed with picturesque cottages, and the riverfront scenery on the Thames is beautiful. There are great walks you can do here, too.

But let’s be honest. Most people come here for the food. Bray is known for its Michelin-starred restaurants and pubs. From The Fat Duck to the Waterside Inn, it has more stars than many major cities.

Bray Cottages

It’s easy to come here for a half-day trip from London to walk around the village and enjoy lunch at one of the restaurants or pubs.

But it’s worth staying a night to experience a couple of the famous places to eat here (and explore the streets). You can see why on my guide to spending 24 hours in Bray .

If this sounds like your kind of village, you can book a place to stay in Bray here . There’s a range of options to choose from, including hotels, cottages, and restaurants with rooms.

The Hinds Head, Bray

5. Painswick, Gloucestershire

Back in the Cotswolds, Painswick is another of the most beautiful villages in England. With its pretty stone buildings and larger-than-life topiary trees, this place is bursting with beauty.

There are fun things to do in Painswick , too. The streets are full of heritage details, and the Painswick Rococo Garden is a stunning 18th-century number in a hidden valley with views across the English countryside.

If this sounds like your kind of village, you can book a place to stay in Painswick here . There’s a variety of options to choose from, including hotels and B&Bs.

Hotel in the village of Painswick

6. Old Amersham, Buckinghamshire

In Buckinghamshire, Amersham is another of the best villages near London. Just outside the UK capital, this place is so close to the city you can reach it on the tube.

Amersham is famous for the historic houses and buildings on the high street in Old Amersham. It’s also known for country walks, as it’s located in the Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

This is a fun place to visit if you want an easy half day trip from London with as little time in transit as possible.

If you want to extend your stay and live like a local, you can book a place to stay in Amersham here . There’s a variety of options to choose from, including historic hotels and inns.

Old Amersham hotel

7. Lacock, Wiltshire

Back in Wiltshire, Lacock is another of the most beautiful villages near London. Lacock is close to Castle Combe, and it’s famous for being a filming location for everything from the Harry Potter movies to Downton Abbey .

This beautiful village in the English countryside is brimming with yellow stone buildings and picturesque roadside stands with baked goods and bunting. Photogenic shopfronts with bicycles outside round out the scene.

This place is also home to the 13th-century Lacock Abbey. It has stunning medieval cloisters and a museum dedicated to the history of photography.

You can reach the village by car, or you can take a day tour from London to see Lacock and other famous places in the area. If the latter appeals, you can book the tour I recommend here .

If you want to stay a night, you can reserve a place to stay in Lacock here . There’s a range of options to choose from, including inns and B&Bs.

Bakery in the Village of Lacock, England

8. East Meon, Hampshire

Out in Hampshire , East Meon is another of the best country villages near London.

This idyllic spot has a river meandering through its heart. Thatched-roof cottages and pink facades make it a fairy tale lover’s dream.

Cheerful hollyhocks bloom on the waterfront in the warmer months, and red post boxes are set into by brick walls in true storybook fashion.

If this sounds like your kind of village, you can book a place to stay in East Meon here . There’s a variety of options to choose from, including lodges and guesthouses.

Pink Thatched Roof Cottage in the Village of East Meon, Hampshire

9. Bibury, Gloucestershire

Home of the most photographed street in the Cotswolds (that’s Arlington Row if you don’t know), Bibury sits on the banks of the River Coln. William Morris once called it ‘the most beautiful village in England’, and he could be right.

Arlington Row features 17th-century weavers’ cottages that attract photographers from all over the world. A historic village pub called The Catherine Wheel is the perfect place for a drink, too.

This English village is also home to a water meadow called Rack Isle. It’s an important wildlife habitat in the Cotswolds.

Arlington Row in Bibury, Cotswolds in winter

Bibury features a trout farm, too. Established in the early 20th century by naturalist Arthur Severn, it stocks local rivers and streams with native brown trout.

You can get here by car, or you can easily visit Bibury on a guided Cotwolds day tour . You can book the one I recommend here .

If you want to stay a night, you can reserve a place to stay in Bibury here . There’s a range of options to choose from, including hotels, houses, and B&Bs.

Arlington Row in the English Village of Bibury

10. Burnham Market, Norfolk

Up in North Norfolk, Burnham Market deserves a place on my list of beautiful villages near London. Often referred to as Chelsea-on-Sea, the central green in this well-heeled place is surrounded by pretty buildings and cafes.

With great shopping, lively pubs and restaurants, and access to nearby coastal gems like Holkham Beach, Burnham Market is the perfect place to spend a weekend in Norfolk .

If this sounds like your kind of village, you can book a place to stay in Burnham Market here . I’ve spent a weekend at The Hoste and I loved the rooms, pub, spa, and restaurant. You can book a room here .

House in Burnham Market, Norfolk, England

11. Upper Slaughter, Gloucestershire

Back in the Cotswolds, Upper Slaughter is another of the best villages near London. This place wins hearts with its pretty stone cottages and idyllic surroundings.

The village lies on a slope above a stream, and it’s known for its 15th-century manor house, attractive medieval almshouses, and historic St Peter’s Church.

Upper Slaughter and its neighbor, Lower Slaughter, are some of the most beautiful places in England . They’re great to visit on a Cotswolds day trip .

If this sounds like your kind of village, you can book a place to stay in Upper Slaughter here . The most exciting is Lords of the Manor . This famous country house hotel is straight out of a fairy tale. You can book your room here .

Upper Slaughter Village in England

12. Bampton, Oxfordshire

Situated between Oxford and the Cotswolds, Bampton is another of the most beautiful villages near London. This place has thatched-roof cottages, a historic church, and charming local pubs.

Bampton’s pretty streets have great details to discover, and the Church of St Mary the Virgin was used as a filming location for many scenes from Downton Abbey .

It’s easy to discover Bampton on a day trip from London by car. You can also take a guided day tour of Oxford and the Cotswolds or a Downtown Abbey tour to see it. You can book one here .

If you want to stay longer, you can reserve a place to stay in Bampton here . There’s a range of options to choose from, including hotels and inns.

House in Bampton

13. Chilham, Kent

Next on my list of the prettiest villages near London is Chilham. Not far from Canterbury , this place is known for its chocolate-box streets and heritage buildings.

Chilham sits in the Kent Downs above the valley of the River Stour. It features steep, narrow lanes and a pretty square. There’s also a castle here.

You can visit Chilham independently by car or on a guided tour from London . You can book the tour I recommend here . It includes stops in famous places like Canterbury and Dover .

If you want to stay a night, you can reserve a place to stay in Chilham here . There’s a variety of options to choose from, including B&Bs and inns.

14. Sapperton, Gloucestershire

Next on my list of the best villages near London is Sapperton. This is one of my favorite places in the Cotswolds for a number of reasons.

Pub Garden in Sapperton, Cotswolds

The village is full of pretty houses, many of which feature Arts and Crafts architecture. Some of the most famous architect-designers of the movement lived here and are buried in the churchyard.

Speaking of which, St Kenelm’s Church is worth popping into for its historic interiors. There’s also a village hall, which is across the street from The Bell at Sapperton pub. Speaking of the pub, it’s fun to have a drink in the atmospheric surroundings.

If this sounds like your kind of village, you can book a place to stay in Sapperton here . There’s a range of options to choose from, including hotels and pubs with rooms.

House in Sapperton

15. Brockenhurst, Hampshire

Back in Hampshire, another of the prettiest villages near London is Brockenhurst. Located in the New Forest, it’s been called ‘Britain’s Most Beautiful Place to Live’.

Brockenhurst is home to a high street full of shops, pubs, cafes, and restaurants. It’s easy to stop here on a New Forest day trip , or make a longer journey of it.

There are famous restaurants nearby, too. And that’s to say nothing of surrounding villages like Beaulieu and Lyndhurst.

If this sounds like your kind of village, you can book a place to stay in Brockenhurst here . There’s a wide variety of options to choose from, including hotels, inns, and apartments.

Pond at The Pig, New Forest, England

16. Aylesford, Kent

Next on my list of the most beautiful villages near London is Aylesford. Situated in the heart of the countryside, this is one of the best places to visit in Kent .

Aylesford sits on the River Medway not far from Maidstone. The heart of the village is home to beautiful historic houses, shops, and pubs. It’s a treat to wander around and take in the views here.

If this sounds like your kind of village, you can book a place to stay in Aylesford here . There’s a range of options to choose from, including guesthouses and apartments.

Aylesford, Kent

17. Ashwell, Hertfordshire

Ashwell is another of the best villages near London. This picture-pretty place is known for its half-timbered facades, museum, pubs, and heritage buildings. It’s also right by the Icknield Way, so it’s a great place for country walks .

The 14th-century Church of St Mary the Virgin is renowned for its tower and the Medieval graffiti on its walls. There are also springs in the village that make up one of the sources of the River Cam (it’s the one that runs through Cambridge ).

If this sounds like your kind of village, you can book a place to stay in Ashwell here . There’s a variety of options to choose from, including hotels and B&Bs.

18. West Chiltington, West Sussex

Next on my list of the best villages near London is West Chiltington. With pretty houses and country pubs with sunny gardens, this place is a treat to visit.

Street Sign on a West Sussex Circular Walk

The village is surrounded by fields full of cows and gentle hills with some of the best vineyards near London . Idyllic cottages round out the scene.

There are great walks you can do while you’re here, too. I’ve done a fun circular walk in West Sussex that started in West Chiltington and took me alongside ponds and through fairy-tale woods adorned with flowers.

If this sounds like your kind of village, you can book a place to stay in West Chiltington here . There’s a range of options to choose from, including lodges and homes.

House in the village of West Chiltington

19. Lavenham, Suffolk

Another of the best villages near London is Lavenham. This place was one of the wealthiest settlements in England in the Medieval period.

Today Lavenham numbers among the best-preserved Medieval villages in England. So much so that it was used as a filming location for one of the Harry Potter movies.

Lavenham is known for its eye-catching historic buildings. From the Guildhall to Little Hall, the 15th-century church, and the half-timbered medieval cottages, there’s a lot to love about this place. There are also great country walks you can take from here.

If this sounds like your kind of village, you can book a place to stay in Lavenham here . There’s a wide variety of options to choose from, including hotels, guesthouses, and B&Bs.

20. Kingham, Oxfordshire

Kingham is another of my favorite villages near London. From topiary hedges to Cotswold stone cottages, this prettiest of villages is picturesque in every way.

Kingham, Cotswolds, England

It’s fun to explore the village streets and take walks in the area to soak up the fields and flowers. You can even walk to Daylesford Organic Farm in Gloucestershire. It’s a luxurious complex with shops, restaurants, and a garden center.

Additionally, Kingham has a village shop to browse, the historic St Andrew’s Church to admire, and atmospheric pubs to eat and stay in.

Kingham is easily accessible by train from London, so it’s a great place to go if you want to visit the Cotswolds without a car . You can see more about the village in my itinerary for 3 days in the Cotswolds .

If this sounds like your kind of village, you can book a place to stay in Kingham here . I’ve stayed at The Kingham Plough and I love it. This beautiful property is a historic pub with rooms. You can book your stay here .

House in Kingham, Cotswolds

21. Cookham, Berkshire

Cookham is another of the best villages near London. Right on the Thames, this pretty place is known for its connections to Sir Stanley Spencer, one of the great 20th-century British painters. Many visitors come here to visit the Stanley Spencer Gallery.

But there’s more to the village than that. Cookham is home to one of the oldest pubs in England, a church with Norman origins, and sweeping views from Winter Hill.

It’s also one of the sites where the UK’s annual Swan Upping Ceremony takes place each summer. If you’re interested in witnessing this historic tradition, you can time your visit to coincide with it.

If this sounds like your kind of village, you can book a place to stay in Cookham here . There’s a range of hotels to choose from.

Map of Villages in Near London

As promised, I created an interactive Google map of all the villages on my list. You can find it here . If you click on the pins, you can see my relevant blog posts about each one.

I’ve also published a Cotswolds map and a map of Cotswold villages . You might find them useful in your planning, too.

Kingham house in the Cotswolds

Beautiful Villages Near London

I hope you’ve enjoyed my list of beautiful villages near London and that you’ve found some inspiration for your future British travels.

If you want more ideas, you can take a look at my blog post about the prettiest towns and villages in Britain . It includes lovely places like Rye .

If you prefer to stay closer to the capital (or in it, rather), there are some great villages in London you can explore. From Hampstead Village to Dulwich Village , Highgate Village to Greenwich Village , they’ll let you get your fix without leaving the city. Happy travels!

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Daily Mail

Chinese New Year London parade route: Map shows 2024 festival journey through Chinatown, Trafalgar Square and the West End

  •  London's Chinese New Year celebrations to take place on Sunday 11 February
  •  The Lunar New Year parade will start at 10.15am and finish at noon in Chinatown

This month, millions of people around the globe will come together to ring in the Lunar New Year, welcoming in the year of the Dragon.

According to Chinese tradition, 2024 will be the year of the Wood Dragon, which is said to foster progress, growth and abundance. 

Chinese New Year - also known as the Lunar New Year - will reel in thousands of revellers to the streets of London on Sunday 11 February as they commemorate the festival. 

From colourful decorations to traditional performances and celebratory feasts, London's West End will become a sea of crimson and gold enchantment which will see both spectators and entertainers paint the town red. 

As well as an impressive itinerary of activities for all of the family to enjoy, a captivating parade across the city will take centre stage, making its way past Trafalgar Square, Chinatown and more.

Check our map below to view the parade's pitstops and secure yourself a great viewpoint along the way. 

When is Chinese New Year celebrated in London?

Chinese New Year falls between late January and mid-February each year. In 2024, the traditional festival falls on 10 February.

READ MORE:  Lunar New Year lights up Asia: Year of the Rabbit kicks off with a bang

Organised by the London Chinatown Chinese Association (LCCA), the 2024 Chinese New Year festival in central London takes place the day after Chinese New Year on 11 February.

What time does the Chinese New Year parade start?

London's annual parade will feature more than 50 different groups of participants and the largest gathering of Chinese lions and dragons in Europe. 

The parade will start at 10.15am on Sunday 11 February and is expected to finish at noon. 

After the parade wraps up, dozens of activities can be enjoyed throughout various areas in the West End, including performances on the Main Stage at Trafalgar Square and a smaller stage in Leicester Square.

Delicious street food, calligraphy and crafts stalls, family games, dragon dance demonstrations and a zodiac display will be on offer, with festivities wrapping up at around 5.30pm.  

The Chinese New Year parade route

The parade will start on the corner of Trafalgar Square - next to Charing Cross station - before making its way up Charing Cross Road to Shaftesbury Avenue, stopping at the bottom of Wardour Street.

Once the parade ends, a lion dance will take place around Chinatown, and will travel around including Gerrard Street, Macclesfield Street, a part of Wardour Street, Leicester Street, Leicester Place and Lisle Street.

Where are the best places to watch the Chinese New Year parade? 

Read more:  aussies slam woolworths over double standards after promoting chinese new year following australia day boycott.

To avoid most of the more crowded areas at Charing Cross Station and Leicester Square station, it is advisable to walk up the parade route to sections further away from the two stations.  

For those who intend on bringing children, you may prefer to head to the Family Zone towards the end of the parade route at the top of Shaftesbury Avenue, where Chinatown merges into Soho. 

This is a great idea if you want to catch the lion dances after the parade, as you can easily venture into Chinatown where the performances take place.

What else can I do to celebrate Chinese New Year on the day? 

Red is the key colour of Chinese New Year - you can dress up with a red coat, scarf or jumper as this is said to bring good luck for the coming year. 

To bring even more luck to your year, Chinese tradition dictates that you should buy something red for yourself or your house.

Visit one of the endless number of top restaurants in Chinatown and enjoy a delicious portion of dumplings, crispy Peking duck or - if you're particularly hungry - a whole chicken. 

You could even go the extra mile and learn some common greetings exchanged during Chinese New Year, such as: Say "Xin Nian Kuai Le" (Happy New Year in Mandarin) or "Sun Nin Faai Lok" (Happy New Year in Cantonese).

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How long will the solar eclipse darkness last in your city? Explore these interactive maps.

On april 8, millions of americans will find themselves in one of hundreds of cities directly on the total eclipse's path of totality. these maps offer a closer look..

map of london places to visit

Millions of Americans are about to find themselves directly in the path of a total solar eclipse that will shroud a lengthy swath of the nation in temporary darkness as it makes its way across the continent.

The Great American Eclipse, the first of its kind since 2017, will chart a path of totality April 8 along a southwest-to-northeast line through North America.

Daylight will give way to sudden darkness for a few brief minutes that day as the orbiting moon will appear as the same size as the sun, completely blocking its light. Many animals will fall silent while other nocturnal creatures will stir during the resulting "totality," whereby observers can see the outmost layer of the sun's atmosphere known as the corona.

The 115-mile-wide path of totality will pass over portions of Mexico and the United States, ending in Canada. In the U.S. alone, hundreds of cities and smaller towns in 13 states lie along the path, providing a glimpse to an estimated 31 million Americans of a spectacular sight not often seen, according to eclipse cartographer Michael Zeiler at  GreatAmericanEclipse.com .

These interactive maps provide a closer look at which U.S. cities are on the path, when the totality will reach them and how long the darkness will last.

Martian eclipse: Rover captures moon Phobos whizzing by Red Planet's sun's outline

Eclipse path of totality cuts across 13 U.S. states

Mexico's Pacific coast will be the first location in continental North America to experience totality, which will occur at about 11:07 a.m. PDT,  according to NASA .

As the moon's shadow travels northeast, totality in the U.S. will begin at 1:27 p.m. CDT in Eagle Pass, Texas. From there, the path will cut diagonally across the country before ending around 3:33 p.m. EDT in Lee, Maine, according to nationaleclipse.com .

Along the way, periods of darkness could last a mere few seconds or, in some cities, could surpass four minutes.

Here's a map with just some of the larger cities in each of the 13 states to show how the duration of totality will vary along the path:

Millions of people in hundreds of cities could experience totality

All told, nearly 500 cities in the U.S. are located on the eclipse's path of totality. Some of the major cities include:

  • Dallas and San Antonio, Texas
  • Little Rock, Arkansas
  • Indianapolis
  • Cleveland and Toledo, Ohio
  • Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse, New York
  • Erie, Pennsylvania

Additionally, small parts of Tennessee and Michigan are also expected to experience the eclipse,  NASA says .

This zoomable map provides a closer look at cities along the path, when totality will arrive there and how long totality will last:

In the United States, the eclipse's path will end before visiting the maritime provinces of Canada, according to estimates.

You may want to see it while you can: For North America, the next total solar eclipse won't be until 2044,  according to NASA .

Eclipse festivals, watch parties on the schedule

Such a rare event is sure to attract skygazing tourists unlucky enough to live outside the path of totality.

Fortunately, many cities that will experience the total eclipse are planning plenty of festivities for tourists and locals alike.

This map , courtesy of Kristian Campana at festivalguidesandreviews.com , includes locations of watch parties, music festivals and more all tied to the eclipse's arrival:

2024 total solar eclipse map

Eric Lagatta covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach him at [email protected]

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    The Mall. St James Park is a green oasis in the heart of London. 3. Horse Guards Parade. The Horse Guards Parade is a big parade ground at the end of the far east end of St. Jame's Park. This is also where The Household Cavalry Museum is located. This is one of the best places to see the famous Horse Guards in London.

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  26. Chinese New Year London parade route: Map shows 2024 festival ...

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