Things to do in  London

Buckingham Palace is one of England’s most famous landmarks. It has served as the official London residence of the British royal family since the 19th century and is one of the few remaining working royal palaces in the world. Public access to the interiors is limited to the summer, but it’s well worthwhile for those who arrange a visit.

From medieval torture to grim executions and infamous royal prisoners, the Tower of London has long found itself at the center of the city’s dark history. Built by William the Conqueror in 1066, the historic castle has served as a Royal Menagerie, Her Majesty’s prison, an execution site, a royal observatory, a Royal Mint, and a military storehouse over the course of its existence.

One of the world’s most enigmatic tourist attractions, this UNESCO World Heritage Site consists of an inner and outer circle of gigantic stones built between the Neolithic era and the Bronze Age. The earliest part of the structure was just the outer bank and ditch, while the stones came later. Although Stonehenge’s original purpose remains unknown, onlookers gather to admire the sarsen stone circles and ponder their astronomical, spiritual, or even supernatural meaning.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site with a legacy dating back more than a millennium, Westminster Abbey is among London’s most popular historical landmarks. The Gothic church is best known for hosting headline-grabbing events involving the British royal family, such as the Queen’s coronation, Princess Diana’s funeral, and Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding. But it’s not just a pretty face; inside, you’ll find dramatic chapels and regal tombs.

Few landmarks epitomize a country as perfectly as Big Ben, the iconic clock tower of London’s Houses of Parliament. Heralding Great Britain’s political heart in Westminster, the Elizabeth Tower (as it’s officially known) is the striking centerpiece of the Thames River waterfront. Westminster Bridge is the perfect place to admire its Gothic Revival architecture from afar.

The London Eye offers panoramic views of Central London from its location on the South Bank of the River Thames (including the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, just opposite). The 443-foot (135-meter) Ferris wheel was built to mark the millennium, and it has since become one of the most popular paid tourist attractions in the United Kingdom.

Windsor Castle is the largest occupied castle in the world still used by resident monarchs. William the Conqueror built a wooden fortress on the site nearly 1,000 years ago—and Windsor has been a royal palace and residence since. Despite its daily use for royal business, much of the palace is open to the public and well worth a visit.

St Paul’s Cathedral has been an enduring symbol of London since it was built in the 17th century. King Charles married Princess Diana there, Winston Churchill was buried there, and it famously emerged unscathed after the World War II Blitz. The magnum opus of architect Sir Christopher Wren, St Paul’s Cathedral is most famous for its gigantic dome, second only to Rome’s St Peter’s Basilica in size. (St. Paul’s is wider than six double-decker buses.)

Flowing right through the heart of London, the Thames River has long been the British capital’s lifeblood. Today, the waterway is lined by many of the city’s best-known landmarks, from centuries-old attractions including the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, and St. Paul’s Cathedral to ultra-modern skyscrapers and contemporary icons such as the London Eye.

All-too-often mistaken for London’s namesake bridge—London Bridge is the next bridge upstream—Tower Bridge is the iconic castle-esque landmark that dominates the city skyline. With its two neo-Gothic towers and central bascule flanked by suspension bridges, it’s an impressive feat of Victorian engineering that has been front and center throughout London’s history. It’s made movie history, too: James Bond, Spider-Man, and Tom Cruise have all performed daring stunts on the bridge.

Trafalgar Square is in the heart of Westminster, and it’s known for being one of the city’s most recognizable public spaces. With striking architecture—including Nelson’s Column and grand fountains—it also has several notable buildings nearby, such as the National Gallery and St Martin-in-the-Fields Church. Visitors come to meet, relax, or take part in the many events, parades, protests, and public celebrations that often fill the square, making it a lively gathering place year-round.

Piercing the sky like a gigantic shard of glass, The Shard is a highlight of the capital’s skyline. Designed by architect Renzo Piano, the super-sleek skyscraper is one of the city’s most famous structures and is currently the tallest building in Western Europe. Inside, high-end restaurants, cocktail bars, and a panoramic observation deck make it a must-visit attraction.

In the heart of London’s West End, Covent Garden is one of the city’s most popular hubs for dining, shopping, and entertainment. Thanks to the many street performers, market stalls, and world-class restaurants, there’s never a dull moment in this lively district. Home to the Royal Opera House, several top theaters, and major brand stores, it’s a buzzing destination that draws in London visitors seeking culture, food, and great entertainment.

Sandwiched between some of London’s most famous attractions, Parliament Square is a green space with a significant history. The square is ringed by Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, the Supreme Court, and Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs. It features 12 statues of famous world leaders and historical figures, including Winston Churchill, Abraham Lincoln, and Nelson Mandela, and is a regular site of peaceful protests.

Ask a Londoner to name a famous food market, and chances are they’ll say Borough Market. This iconic foodie spot is lively, bustling, and full of sensory appeal—with everything from artisan cheese and sizzling street food to seasonal produce for those planning to cook at home. With a history spanning back over 1,000 years and a loyal following that includes celebrity chefs, it’s a go-to destination for anyone looking to eat, drink, and explore.