20 things to see and do in London during a holiday
Poetic by night under the moon, vibrant and alive by day: London is a city of a thousand faces, proud dictator of trends and fashions throughout Europe, a delicate destination for those who want to breathe in art, history and architecture. If you're wondering what to do and see in London, you've come to the right place. In this little guide to discovering the City of London, we have collected all the best tips from those who live there, those who have experienced it as tourists and those who have always loved it.
Before you set off to London, however, we want to give you a little, big traveller's tip: this metropolis can only be loved and discovered by those who are ready to immerse themselves 100% in its streets and traditions. So whether it's your first time in the capital of the United Kingdom or not, leave all thoughts on the ground and fly to London to enjoy all the attractions and wonders of one of Europe's most beautiful capitals.
Finding the perfect place to stay is an important part of your travel experience. For those who want to enjoy London with style and comfort, consider booking your stay at a place like The Laslett. Nestled in the vibrant neighbourhood of Notting Hill, it offers a unique blend of local charm and modern convenience, making it an ideal choice for travellers. Find out more about this chic accommodation on their website.
If your idea is to do a complete tour of the UK starting in London, I also leave you with this article dedicated to the best places of interest in England, where you can find out what not to miss on a trip to this country.
What to see in London
You could visit London for weeks and not have seen even half of the wonders the city offers its guests. However, there are some attractions in London that are a real must-see, especially if it's your first time visiting this exciting metropolis.
Buckingham Palace
Buckingham palace
God Save the Queen. Buckingham Palace has been the official residence of Queen Elizabeth and the British Royal Family since 1837 and exudes a magical aura of charm and curiosity. Who wouldn't want to feel part of the modern Windsor fairy tale and wander around the palace perhaps hoping to see the Queen? You can visit the Palace of Buckingham from 21 July to 2 October and buy tickets directly on the official website, choosing between a tour with an audio guide, a complete tour of the Palace, the State Rooms, the Royal Stables and the Queen's Gallery. Throughout the year you should not miss the Changing of the Guard, a ceremony that originated in 1660 and takes place every day at 11am in summer and every other day in winter.
Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey is one of the places to visit in London par excellence and is also one of the best known churches in the world. Some of the most famous historical events of all time have taken place within its aisles, such as the coronation of all English monarchs since William the Conqueror and dream weddings like that of William and Kate Middleton. Built in the 10th century, Westminster Abbey is a hymn to English history with Gothic architecture, enchanting stained glass windows and precious treasures to admire. In Poets' Corner rest the greats of British literature such as Chaucer, Dickens and Kypling. If you have bought the London Pass, remember that Westminster Abbey is one of the 60 attractions you can visit for free.
Saint Paul's Cathedral
Saint Paul's Cathedral
Who doesn't remember the famous Mary Poppins scene in front of Saint Paul's? Located in Ludgate Hill, St Paul's Cathedral in London is the mother church of the Anglican Diocese of London and is the second largest church in the world after St Peter's in Rome. It is a rare example of English Baroque and is one of the few buildings left standing amidst the rubble during the bombings of World War II. St. Paul's houses famous graves such as those of the Duke of Wellington and Horatio Nelson and has been the scene of important royal events such as the wedding of Charles and Diana.
Tower of London
Tower of London
Between history and legend, the Tower of London has for centuries harboured secrets and court intrigue in an aura of mystery surrounding one of London's oldest landmarks. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988, Tower of London is a medieval stronghold and inside you can visit the palace, turrets, dungeons and museum. The Tower of London is guarded by the Major of the Town and special guards, the famous Beefeaters, a centuries-old guardhouse with black and red uniforms who, together with the ravens, protect the tower. According to legend, if all the crows were to leave the tower, it would be the end of the United Kingdom and the English monarchy. Extra tip: don't miss the ancient Ceremony of the Keys!
Unusual things to do in London
London is a destination that deserves more than just a sightseeing trip, London is a city to experience in every corner and one that holds constant surprises in store. So here we want to recommend our review of the most unusual and incredible things to do in the city.
Speedboat tours on the Thames
Boats for a tour on the Thames
Feel like 007 amidst a crescendo of adrenaline in your body, the wind in your hair and splashing water. A speedboat ride on the Th ames is an unforgettable experience and a special tour of London during which you can admire Canary Wharf, Coca Cola London Eye and the Globe Theatre. The less daring, on the other hand, can be lulled by the Thames on a boat tour, there are plenty of organised tours that also include brunch, wine tasting or afternoon tea.
Unusual bars and restaurants in London
Typical places to drink and eat
London is one of the international capitals of food trends and gastronomic innovation with plenty of undiscovered bars and quirky restaurants. You can't leave the City without enjoying lunch or dinner in one of London's outposts of avant-garde food and drink. Between scones, fine teas, refined but fun finger food, champagne and margaritas Sketch is a pastel-coloured dream in the heart of Mayfair: you sit on the iconic velvet shells and the spell is cast. On the other hand, if you want an alternative prison experience there's Alcotraz, London's first prison bar where you can don the orange jumpsuit and enjoy a great cocktail behind bars. Cereal Killer Café is the hipster temple of cereal, at 139 Brick Lane you can enter breakfast heaven and buy over 120 varieties of cereal from around the world.
The Prime Meridian in Greenwich
Park in front of the Greenwich Meridian
Who hasn't heard of the 'Greenwich Meridian' at school? Not everyone knows, however, that you can visit it in London. The Greenwich Meridian passes at the spot where the Royal Observatory in Greenwich was built. A visit to the Royal Observatory also includes the Time Gallery and the Great Equatorial Telescope. Don't forget to take a selfie right on the line marking the exact position of the Meridian. After sunset, a green laser is lit to mark the Greenwich Meridian from Greenwich Park hill to the London Skyline.
In addition, near this area it is also possible to visit an ancient sailing ship, the cutty shark, to see for yourself what ancient boats looked like in earlier centuries. This attraction is ideal for families with children!
Theatres and street performers in Covent Garden
Covent Garden
Covent Garden is a district where the muse of artistic inspiration runs wild. From opera to theatre, ballet to avant-garde comedy. Covent Garden's theatres host performances of all kinds, modern shows but also classical works such as those at the Royal Opera House. Also worth mentioning are the Coliseum, the New London Theatre and the Lyceum Theatre. Looking for a thrill? Drury Lane is one of the most haunted theatres in Europe. Covent Garden is also the big stage for street performers and perform ers, who take to the pubs and restaurants with juggling acts, circus acts, music.
What to do for free in London
While it is true that this is one of the most expensive cities to visit, it is also true that there are plenty of things to do in London for free. That's why we want to give you our tips on London's free attractions to enjoy without spending a penny!
Big Ben and relax in the park
Big Ben Tower
London's famous landmark, the majestic bell of the Elizabeth Tower, known as Big Ben, stands on the north bank of the Thames. You can grab a coffee at one of the many Pret-a-Mangers and sip it on a walk along the river with a stop in St. James Park. Remember a blanket to lie on the grass! The first sound Big Ben made was on 11 July 1859, the musical note it has been emitting ever since is an E.
British Museum
Visit the British Museum
With over eight thousand artefacts and art-historical treasures to admire, the British Museum is one of the finest museums in the world. More than seventy galleries to visit, a huge selection of different cultures to explore such as the Ancient Egyptian gallery where you can go back three thousand years amongst sarcophagi, precious jewellery and original mummies. The Rosetta Stone is the museum's big star, but inside are the famous statue of Ramesses II, Assyrian bas-reliefs, the Parthenon Sculptures and the Easter Island statue. The British Museum is open daily from 10am to 5.30pm, on Fridays it closes at 8.30pm.
Tate Modern
Pop into the Tate Modern art museum
The Tate Modern overlooks the Thames and is housed in a former power station. With 88 galleries spread over seven floors it is one of the world's most famous contemporary art museums and houses works from the 1500s to the present day with big names such as Matisse, Rothko, Dali, Picasso and Warhol. We recommend going up to the top floor after visiting the galleries to admire the extraordinary view of the London skyline.
Piccadilly Circus
Stroll around Piccadilly Circus
Chaotic, over-lit, vibrant and noisy. Piccadilly Circus is one of London's iconic squares, here the world-famous illuminated advertising signs are the backdrop to London's nerve centre and the beating heart of the West End between the wild shopping, fashionable clubs on Oxford Street, the theatres on Shaftesbury Avenue and the Criterion. Here you can walk and get lost among the lights and the swarming of voices and horns. Piccadilly's LEDs since 1908 have only been switched off four times during the First World War, for Winston Churchill's funeral, mourning for Lady Diana and the WWF's Earth Hour campaign.
Fun things to do in London
London leaves all its guests breathless, a city of art and culture, a bastion of avant-garde architecture, food and wine and theatre. But above all, London is a city that entertains and always knows how to give that extra thrill to every trip. An ideal destination for a weekend getaway from the daily grind, a shopping holiday or a cultural tour, London is also the right place to have fun and enjoy yourself with your fellow adventurers.
Making off Harry Potter - Warner Bros Studios
Immerse yourself in the fantastic world of Harry Potter
Muggles, wizards and witches: London is the capital of magic par excellence because this is where J.K. Rowling's pen set some of the most famous scenes in the Harry Potter saga. Platform 9 and ¾ is located in King's Cross station and on the departure boards on the first of September it is always signposted, go and look for the wall between platform 9 and platform 10: you will find a luggage trolley magically disappeared halfway into the wall. Visiting the Warner Bros studios for The Making Off Harry Potter is a unique experience to see behind the scenes of the films, the original sets, costumes and props. The London Zoo and Reptile House are from the very first book and for those who want to take a trip to the Leaky Cauldron there is Leadenhall Market, the Victorian covered market where at 42 you will find the optical shop where the scenes in the wizarding pub were filmed and from which you accessed Diagon Alley.
Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum
Visit the world's most famous Madame Tussods Wax Museum
Since 1853, the Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum has been the largest wax museum in the world. Here you can walk among the great faces of history such as Henry VIII and his six royal consorts, Robespierre, Hitler, Churchill, Gandhi, Margaret Thatcher and former US President George W. Bush. In the museum you can have your picture taken with Hollywood actors, footballers and VIPs. Part of the museum is dedicated to the Planetarium, a three-dimensional simulator of a space journey, and the Chamber of Horrors performed by live actors depicting famous scenes such as the death of Marat in the bath and the beheading of Marie Antoinette.
A tour of Camden Town
Stroll the streets of Camden Town
Camden Town is the heart of alternative rock and is a little town within a town, a quirky area to enjoy an alternative afternoon and evening at its best. The Roundhouse Theatre is inside a former railway depot and is now a theatre and auditorium with international artists. The Cyberdog is Camden Town's most distinctive cyberpunk-style shop with original clothes, fluorescent accessories, dancers and DJ sets. Shopping is an integral part of the neighbourhood between the hard rock shops, the hippie market and the street food stalls. Want to have a beer? There's the Good Mixer for gossip lovers and Our Black Heart dedicated to the world of tattoos. The Monarch, on the other hand, is famous for its red marquee and queues of people waiting to get in: but don't worry, you can get in late at night and the gigs are almost always free and of a high standard.
Nightlife in Shoreditch
Discover the pubs and clubs in the Shoreditch area at the weekend
Walking around Shoreditch is like breathing in a vibrant air of contemporary art. Damien Hirst, Tracey Emin and Alexander McQueen have signed many of the neighbourhood's en plein aire works, check out the Village Underground Wall and Curtain Road. But it's at night that Shoreditch comes alive, we recommend a great cocktail at Great Eastern St and a trip to the penthouse of the Queen Of Hoxton. The clubs are some of the most exciting in Europe, how can we not mention Cargo or XOYO for example? Beer pong enthusiasts will find plenty of company at Bounce, while if you're looking for a Brooklyn-mood vibe, try the stuffed bagels at Bagel Beke.
Romantic places to visit in London
If you think the City of Love designation is Paris' prerogative, prepare to change your mind because London too has plenty of romantic spots to discover with your soul mate.
A kiss on the London Eye
Discover the breathtaking view of London from the Ferris wheel
The Coca Cola London Eye is one of London's most famous attractions. Here you can view the city from above and admire the view with a special someone while suspended in one of the spheres of the Ferris wheel. Who wouldn't want to exchange a kiss in the clouds and take a selfie with the backdrop of the London skyline? The London Eye is on the south bank of the Thames and takes you to a height of no less than 135 metres. When the sungoes down it is illuminated , butfor big occasions it is also the setting for special plays of light and colour such as the celebrations for Prince William and Kate 's royal wedding.
Primrose Hill
Relax on Primrose Hill
Primrose Hill is the most romantic hill in London and here you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the whole city. You can get here from Camden Town via elegant streets surrounded by Victorian-style houses. Little known to tourists, it is popular with Londoners who come here to enjoy the sunset with their partner in a serene and intimate atmosphere. The hill is 78 metres high and from here you can admire The Shard skyscraper, the dome of St Paul's and the skyscrapers of Canary Wharf. You can take a Japanese bento with you to one of Camden's many sushi bars, fried chicken or tasty Byron burgers.
Notting Hill and Portobello
The fantastic area of Notting Hill and Portobello market
With When you say nothing at all ringing in your ears and the lines of Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant in the famous film etched in your mind, Notting Hill is one of London's most romantic neighbourhoods. Here you can stroll hand in hand among the pastel-coloured houses in a dreamy palette. Along Blenheim Crescent you can take a photo of the Hollywood film Travel Bookshop, not far away is Portobello Road, where you can take a look at the various antique stalls with jewellery, clothes, handbags and vintage shops such as Alice 's and its teapots, street food stalls. We recommend you continue to Golborne Road in London's North African heartland to enjoy some excellent Moroccan coffee and exotic fruit.
The Shard
The Shard
The Shard is a skyscraper in Southwark, South London, next to London Bridge on the Thames. 87 storeys and 111,000 square metres. You can enjoy a romantic moment and a glass of champagne at The View from the Shard on floors 68, 69 and 72. London has plenty of viewpoints, but the Shard has the capacity to literally take your breath away with its 310 metres. London's tallest skyscraper welcomes lovers to the top where they can admire the skyline and shake hands while gazing at the horizon.