Top 10 Things to Do in London - Explore and Discover

The Top 10 Things To Do in London

London can feel like three cities stacked on top of each other: royal and historic, creative and modern, and then the everyday neighborhoods where people actually live. That mix is what makes it so addictive. You can spend your morning with medieval towers and crown jewels, and by afternoon you’re in a former power station staring at modern art that makes you tilt your head and go, "Wait… is this brilliant or am I missing something?"

Here are ten London “yes, do this” picks that cover the classics, a few cultural detours, and the stuff you’ll remember long after the flight home.

Tower of London

If you only do one history-heavy attraction, make it this one. The Tower is dramatic in that very British way: stone walls, cold stories, and a setting that looks like it was built for betrayals.

Go early if you can. The Crown Jewels are the big draw, and the queues get real. After that, wander through the White Tower and let yourself get pulled into the stories: who lived here, who got locked up, who didn’t make it out. If you’re into guided tours, the Yeoman Warders are genuinely entertaining, not “tour-guide entertaining.”

Also, yes, the ravens are still there. People pretend they don’t care, then immediately start taking photos.

Tate Modern

Even if you’re not an art person, Tate Modern is worth it for the building alone. A former power station turned museum on the Thames is about as London as it gets: old industrial bones, new ideas inside.

Start with the Turbine Hall (it’s enormous and often has big installations), then move through the galleries at your own pace. You don’t have to “understand” everything. Sometimes the best part is figuring out what you like, what annoys you, and what makes you stop.

Bonus: the views from the terrace are excellent, especially around sunset.

Westminster Abbey

This place feels like history has weight. You walk in and it’s immediately quiet in your chest, even if you’re not religious.

Westminster Abbey is where coronations happen, and it’s also where a huge number of major figures are buried or memorialized. Poet’s Corner is a highlight if you like literature, and the architecture is stunning in that “how did they even build this?” way.

Tip: go with an audio guide if you want context without being herded around.

Muslim London

London’s Muslim communities aren’t one thing, and that’s what makes exploring them interesting. East London is a good starting point if you want markets, food, and everyday energy rather than formal sightseeing.

• East London Mosque area gives you a sense of community life and architecture.

• Brick Lane is the obvious food stop, but it’s also great for street art and that busy, layered London vibe.

• Museums like the British Museum and the V&A also have strong collections that touch Islamic art and history, if you want something quieter than the streets.

If you’re visiting around Eid, you’ll sometimes find bigger public celebrations and events that feel properly festive.

South Kensington Museums

South Kensington is basically London’s museum power zone, and the best part is you can walk between them in minutes.

• Natural History Museum: iconic building, dinosaurs, and the kind of exhibits that make you feel ten years old again.

• Science Museum: hands-on, playful, and surprisingly easy to spend hours in without noticing.

• V&A: art, design, fashion, sculpture. It’s the “I’ll just pop in” museum that accidentally becomes a half-day.

They’re free for the main collections, which still feels like a miracle in 2026.

Theater Show in the West End – and Beyond

London theater is not just “a tourist thing.” It’s part of the city’s bloodstream.

The West End is where you go for the big titles and polished productions. If you want something a little different (and sometimes better value), look at:

• National Theatre

• Old Vic

• Shakespeare’s Globe for that open-air, time-travel feeling

If you’re flexible, last-minute tickets can be a great deal. If you’re not flexible, book ahead and save yourself the headache.

Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens

This is where you go to breathe. London is loud, fast, and packed. These parks are the reset button.

Walk along the Serpentine, stop near Speaker’s Corner (even if it’s quiet that day), and drift into Kensington Gardens for Kensington Palace and the Albert Memorial. It’s also one of the best places to “do nothing” without feeling guilty about it.

Buckingham Palace

Seeing the palace in person is one of those “ok, I get it” moments, even if you’re not into royalty.

The Changing of the Guard is fun, but it can be crowded. If the crowds aren’t your thing, you can still enjoy the walk through St. James’s Park nearby, which is one of the prettiest short strolls in central London.

If you visit in summer when the State Rooms open, it’s worth it if you like interiors, art, and royal history.

English Pub

A great pub isn’t about getting drunk. It’s about the vibe: warm lighting, low ceilings, people talking like they’ve known each other for years.

Order something classic (fish and chips is the safe bet), grab a pint or a cider, and just settle in. Historic pubs like Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese or The George Inn are fun if you want that old-London atmosphere, but honestly, a good neighborhood pub can be even better.

Traditional Afternoon Tea

Afternoon tea is simultaneously elegant and a little ridiculous, which is exactly why you should do it at least once.

Expect sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and pastries that look too pretty to eat (you’ll eat them anyway). Luxury hotels like The Ritz and The Savoy are the famous options, but there are plenty of smaller places that do a fantastic tea without the stiff vibe.

It’s also a great way to force yourself to slow down mid-trip. London rewards that.