London attractions

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is a vast green space in East London that spans 560 acres (227 hectares). The area was redeveloped for the 2012 Olympic Games, and many sites were repurposed to create this vibrant public destination. Here, you can visit landmarks such as the London Stadium, ArcelorMittal Orbit, and the London Aquatics Centre, stroll along landscaped gardens and waterways, or enjoy cultural events. It’s at the heart of Stratford’s transformation and is perfect for active exploration, family outings, or sporting adventures.

Apsley House has long been thought of as the grandest address in London. The Georgian building hasn’t changed much since 1815, when its inhabitant—the first Duke of Wellington—led British troops to victory against Napoleon at Waterloo. Today, the fabulous Hyde Park house serves as a world-class museum, with the Wellington Collection’s paintings, sculpture, porcelain, and silver matching the building’s reputation.

The Lyceum Theatre is one of London’s most well-known performance venues, with roots going back to the 18th century. Bram Stoker famously worked here and found inspiration for the character of Count Dracula, and it has hosted major productions over the years, including Jesus Christ Superstar, and Oklahoma! It’s best known today as the long-running home of The Lion King, which has been playing to packed audiences since the 1990s.

This intimate St. Martin’s Theatre may be small with a capacity for just 550, but it’s home to the world’s longest-running theater production: The Mousetrap. Agatha Christie’s whodunnit was first staged here in 1974—following an over 20-year run at the neighboring Ambassadors Theatre—and St. Martin’s still hosts the ever-popular production today. While most people associate the venue with The Mousetrap, it often hosts other family-friendly productions by day.

Dating back to the days of Victorian London, the Savoy Theatre first opened its doors in 1881 and has hosted shows, operas, and plays ever since. Having found early fame for its witty Gilbert and Sullivan productions, often dubbed the “Savoy Operas,” the venue is today managed by the Ambassador Theatre Group (ATG). It is known for staging hit musicals, such as Legally Blonde, Pretty Woman, and Mean Girls.

The only estate of its kind in the UK, Eltham Palace is an architectural curio. A former royal residence —and the childhood home of Henry VIII—the palace was given an unconventional glow-up at the hands of millionaires Stephen and Virginia Courtauld in the 1930s. Now an English Heritage property, visitors to the palace can marvel at the modern art deco mansion built around the original medieval and Tudor structures.

Originally christened the New Princes Theatre in 1911, this beloved venue later became the Princes Theatre, and then the Shaftesbury Theatre in the ’60s. By any name, this theater has always been a popular place, hosting Gilbert and Sullivan operettas, American variety shows, and musicals such as Hairspray, Mrs. Doubtfire, and Just For One Day.

In the fashionable St. James’s neighborhood in the central city, Jermyn Street is one of London’s most stylish thoroughfares. Established by and named for Henry Jermyn, Earl of St. Albans, the street was first developed in 1664, following the approval of King Charles II. Today, the area is known as an upscale shopping destination, particularly for menswear as it has a long history of shirt tailoring.

Located in an upscale neighborhood in west London, Holland Park is a favorite spot for weekend strolls. As well as woods, tennis courts, and various gardens—including the Japanese-style Kyoto Garden—the park is also home to what’s left of the once-sprawling 17th-century Holland House and the Design Museum to its south.

On the grounds of the original building, the Foundling Museum tells the story of the Foundling Hospital: an 18th-century children’s home established by philanthropist Thomas Coram. In addition to telling the story of children in care, the museum showcases works by the artist Willam Hogarth and composer George Frideric Handel, who both supported the original hospital, and pieces by contemporary artists including Tracey Emin.

The London Canal Museum explores the history of the city’s man-made waterways, documenting the vessels, trade, and workers of London’s canals. Exhibits tend toward the immersive, though they also explore the museum building’s past: It was originally used as an ice warehouse by Carlo Gatti, which is a bigger deal than it might sound—he’s the Swiss entrepreneur credited with introducing ice cream to the British masses.

Amassed during the 18th and 19th centuries and then donated to the nation, the Wallace Collection features opulent works of art and crafts displayed amid the splendor of an aristocratic townhouse. The main collection includes pieces by Rubens, Rembrandt, and Velásquez, as well as Franz Hals’ famous Laughing Cavalier: Paid exhibitions often showcase modern art.

One of architect Christopher Wren’s best-known buildings, St. Stephen Walbrook is a church located in the City of London. Rebuilt according to Wren’s designs following the Great Fire of 1666, the church is distinct for its grand, coffered dome. It’s located just next to Mansion House—the Lord Mayor’s residence.

Perched atop the Walkie Talkie skyscraper, Sky Garden is London’s highest public garden. Towering 508 feet (155 meters) above England’s capital, Sky Garden’s vantage point lets you enjoy panoramic views of London’s landmarks while wandering around tiered landscaped gardens. Extend your experience at its elevated bars (Sky Pod, City Garden) and restaurants (Darwin Brasserie, Fenchurch Restaurant), serving up classic and contemporary British cuisine. The ground floor houses an Italian restaurant (Larch), café, and gift shop.

Stretching across the curving dome of London’s O2 Arena, the Up at The O2 rooftop walkway offers stunning views and open-air thrills. Visitors are equipped with climbing suits and safety harnesses before ascending the suspended walkway with a guide. At the top, your thrill-seeking efforts are rewarded with a 360-degree observation platform that offers views of the River Thames, Greenwich’s greenery, and Canary Wharf’s skyscrapers.

Pioneer of social reform and founder of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale is a legendary figure in British history. Her story is the focus of the Florence Nightingale Museum, where interactive exhibits chronicle her brave work as a nurse during the Crimean War and detail her role in reforming midwifery and nursing internationally.

As the largest stadium in the United Kingdom and the second largest in Europe, Wembley Stadium is one of London’s most well-known venues. Since its reopening in 2007, the stadium has hosted major football events, including the FA Cup Final, UEFA Champions League Finals, and the 2012 Olympic Games finals. In addition to its football heritage, Wembley is also a sought-after performance location for famous bands and artists.

The Piccadilly Theatre opened its doors in 1928 and made history that year when it hosted the premiere of the world’s first film with sound. It became a cabaret venue, survived German bombings during World War II, and went on to become one of London’s premier venues to see plays and musicals. Today, it’s the home of Moulin Rouge!

A traditional fruit and veg market turned hipster retail emporium, Broadway Market is one of Hackney’s liveliest weekend markets, with a bustling midweek food, drink, and shopping scene, too. There’s something to suit most tastes here; from smoked salmon to brownies, ethical fashion to handmade jewelry, the 18th-century Cat and Mutton pub to global street eats.

Opened in 1930, the Prince Edward Theatre has hosted everything from cabaret to radio broadcasts and blockbuster musicals. During World War II, it became a morale-boosting hub for Allied troops before sustaining Blitz damage. Restored to its original purpose, the grand West End venue now stages large-scale productions in an elegant setting, offering visitors a classic London theater experience just steps from Soho and Leicester Square.

The heart of Brixton’s multicultural food scene, Brixton Village comprises three covered market arcades: Granville Arcade, Market Row, and Reliance Arcade. Influenced by the waves of West Indian immigrants after World War II, the markets reflect Brixton’s strong Afro-Caribbean history and culture. You can shop at traditional trader stalls selling fruit and vegetables or go gourmet at one of the many dining options.

Dedicated to members of the Royal Air Force’s Bomber Command who fought in World War II, the Bomber Command Memorial is one of London’s major wartime monuments. Unveiled in 2012 and situated in Green Park, the open-air stone memorial was designed by Liam O’Connor. Inside, it features a bronze sculpture depicting a group of pilots having just returned from their latest mission.

Spanning four centuries of British gardening history, the Garden Museum is a celebration of garden design in all its forms. Housed in a former church on the South Bank of the River Thames, the small museum sits amid leafy gardens and affords a peaceful escape from the bustle of central London. Climb the medieval tower for views across to Westminster and the Houses of Parliament.

Home to historic Ashes moments and the Surrey County Cricket Club, the Kia Oval is one of the UK’s most renowned cricket grounds, with a legacy dating back to 1845. It was the first ground in England to hold international Test cricket matches, and has hosted many memorable fixtures since. Today, visitors come for tours, to watch matches, and to see the stadium, which now holds over 27,500 spectators.

London’s Guards Museum tells the story of the five regiments of the Foot Guards: the red-coat-wearing, bearskin-hat-sporting soldiers, who have been tasked with protecting the reigning monarch (currently King Charles III) and their royal palaces since 1660. The museum offers a peek into British military history and royal pomp and ceremony, as well as the operational lives of the Guardsmen.

The distinctive blue Bombay Sapphire bottle has been a staple of bar shelves since the gin was first produced more than 25 years ago. Since 2011, the company has based its production in this historic mill at the edge of the River Test, which has been transformed into a state-of-the-art production and visitor facility.

Six aircraft hangars at the Royal Air Force Museum London hold an impressive collection, from First World War flying machines to a rare, life-sized model of an F-35 joint strike fighter. Exhibits here explore the history of the Royal Air Force across multiple wars. In addition, the museum’s 4D theater, flight simulator, and an opportunity to sit in the cockpit of an iconic Spitfire fighter plane are an immersive glimpse into that heritage.

Often referred to as the “Home of Cricket”, Lord’s Cricket Ground is a world-renowned sporting arena that hosts regular cricket matches and international test fixtures. Learn more about the game at the on-site MCC Museum, one of the oldest sporting museums globally, or take a tour of the grounds to see its historical Pavilion, the Long Room, and more.

Opened in 1930, the Cambridge Theatre is a stalwart of London’s West End drama scene with an opulent interior that’s as stylish as its sleek exterior. While it’s hosted a range of shows over the years, it’s best known for Matilda the Musical, an adaptation of Roald Dahl’s classic children’s story that’s been charming kids and adults alike since 2011.

Since opening in 1905, the baroque-style Aldwych Theatre has hosted a wide range of productions, from Shakespearean plays to the first London staging of A Streetcar Named Desire, directed by none other than Laurence Olivier and starring Vivien Leigh, star of Gone With The Wind. These days, the 1,200-seat auditorium hosts grand musicals nearly every night of the week.