15 of the Top Things To Do in London Per Viator Travelers

What?: Fortress, prison, and palace—the Tower of London has seen it all, from housing kings to locking up traitors. Today, it guards the Crown Jewels and ranks among the top attractions in London. A guided VIP tour provides historical background, helps you navigate the various buildings, and gets you in before the crowds.

When?: The Tower is open daily from morning to late afternoon, with slightly later opening times on Sundays and Mondays. Visit early on weekdays for fewer crowds, as school groups typically start arriving from late morning.

What one reviewer said: “The tour was wonderful. Our guide, Rob, set us up to be the first group to see the Crown Jewels. He was a wealth of information and the tour was very enjoyable.”, Jaceene_M, January 2025

What?: London’s pub culture is a cornerstone of city life: think cozy corners, pints of local ale, and lively conversation. Get to know London pub life on a small group tour of some of the capital’s traditional pubs, including one frequented by Charles Dickens, plus discover hidden gems that serve up the perfect pint.

When?: Pubs buzz on weekday evenings as locals unwind after work. On weekends, expect a full house as Londoners gather to socialize over a drink.

What one reviewer said: “Very fun! David was funny and very knowledgeable. First time in London and loved that I saw places that I wouldn’t have found on my own.” Samantha_B, February 2025

What?: Step into the magical world of Harry Potter as you visit filming locations and sites associated with the franchise. A guided walking tour takes you to famous spots including Platform 9 ¾ at King’s Cross Station and Leadenhall Market—where Diagon Alley scenes were filmed—while offering insights and behind-the-scenes knowledge along the way.

When?: Harry Potter walking tours run year-round, with multiple start times each day: choose one that fits your schedule best.

What one reviewer said: “Lots of fun. Our guide Louis was great. Not only did he give us information about the movie and locations that were used for or inspired shoots around the city, but pointed out quite a few interesting and historical landmarks in London. Highly recommended!” Herschel_F, January 2025

What?: A ride on the London Eye offers unbeatable views of sights including the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the River Thames. Book a fast-track ticket for the giant observation wheel to enjoy the city’s skyline from a glass pod—one of the top spots for London sightseeing.

When?: The London Eye operates daily with flexible departure times. Ideally, plan your trip on a clear day for the best views—you may even see as far as Windsor Castle when conditions are optimal.

What one reviewer said: “Excellent service. [We] just walked straight through fast track and then onto the ... pod—the views are amazing.” Georgina_B, January 2025

What?: The landmark Westminster Abbey—where monarchs are crowned and famous figures rest—often tops London travel guides. Guided tours offer skip-the-line tickets to see the Abbey’s highlights, as well as visiting additional landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, Downing Street, the Houses of Parliament, and Big Ben.

When?: The Abbey is closed to tourists on Sundays but remains open for worship. Tours typically start in the morning and visitors are welcome Monday through Saturday from morning to mid-afternoon.

What one reviewer said: “Ash was a great guide. Lots of interesting information and never a dull moment. He took time to engage with members of the group, creating a personal connection. The itinerary was excellent.” Marsha_R, December 2024

What?: While London is packed with food markets, Borough Market stands out as one of the oldest and best. Brimming with artisan eats, fresh produce, and sizzling street food, it’s a must-visit for any food lover. Make the most of the market on a food tour to navigate its many stalls and delicacies.

When?: Borough Market is open Monday through Saturday from morning to late afternoon and closes on Sundays. Come hungry—there’s something for every appetite.

What one reviewer said: “Had an amazing time on this tour. Pip was knowledgeable, friendly, and enthusiastic. We tried the most incredible sausage roll to start, and the treats kept coming from there. Great balance of Borough Market and its surroundings. Well worth the time and money.” Andrew_N, December 2024

What?: The Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace is a classic London spectacle worth seeing at least once. This world-famous ceremony is full of pomp and pageantry; join a walking tour to get the best vantage points while learning fun facts about the regiments, and stroll past landmarks such as St. James’s Palace and Horse Guards Parade along the way.

When?: The Changing of the Guard happens at Buckingham Palace every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday at 11am. Arrive early to secure a good spot to watch one of the best London activities.

What one reviewer said: “Excellent knowledge, friendly and approachable. Took you to vantage points you wouldn’t necessarily know about.” STEVEN_B, March 2025

What?: The UNESCO–listed Stonehenge might be a bit of a trek from London, but it’s worth it. This prehistoric stone circle is shrouded in mystery, and seeing it up close—especially with inner-circle access—is a fascinating experience. You’ll get a real sense of its scale and the eerie atmosphere that surrounds it.

When?: Day trips to Stonehenge are available several times a week; they usually depart very early, so plan accordingly. As the site is outdoors, try to aim for a day with minimal rain.

What one reviewer said: “Our tour guide Robert was very knowledgeable and personally engaging. The time spent in the Inner Circle of Stonehenge was well worth the early morning start.” Connie_W, October 2024

What?: Afternoon tea is a London tradition worth indulging in: think delicate finger sandwiches, fresh scones, and perfectly brewed tea. For a truly regal experience, enjoy tea and a tour at Kensington Palace, which is home to members of the British royal family. Don’t miss a post-tea stroll through the adjacent Kensington Gardens.

When?: Royal High Tea is served multiple times a day at Kensington Palace.

What one reviewer said: “Great walk around the park and then we had high tea next to Kensington Palace. I highly recommend doing this tour to learn more about London history!” Andrew_N, December 2024

What?: You can’t visit London without stopping by Piccadilly Circus; it’s always buzzing with neon signs, giant video screens, and vibrant energy. Take a private half-day tour to explore the area and nearby landmarks including Leicester Square and Trafalgar Square—perfect for first-time visitors.

When?: Piccadilly Circus is a main London tourist spot and thoroughfare that is always lively, especially on the weekends. On weekdays, aim to visit in the mid-morning or early afternoon to avoid the biggest crowds.

What one reviewer said: “Our guide was very knowledgeable and the tour helped us get a great introduction to the city. He knew all of the streets and the stories behind so many things ... We highly recommend taking this tour.” Barb_A, February 2025

What?: The West End is the place for live performances in London, with world-class musicals and blockbuster shows around every corner. For a fun spin on the usual theater experience, try a walking tour where you’ll dance your way through the streets on a silent disco, all while learning about the area’s rich theater history.

When?: The West End is always buzzing with theater performances, but it’s especially lively in the evenings when the shows hit full stride.

What one reviewer said: “So much fun [that I] want to do it all again tomorrow! Hosts were awesome. We loved it. Best way to spend a Saturday afternoon in London.” Norma_M, September 2024

What?: The River Thames runs through the heart of central London, offering unbeatable views of the city's top sights. Naturally, one of the best ways to experience London sightseeing is on a high-speed river cruise with an expert guide and skilled skipper. Who says you can’t dive into British history while getting an adrenaline rush as you zoom past Big Ben, the London Eye, and Tower Bridge?

When?: The Thames is busy with boats every day, but it’s especially stunning at sunrise or sunset when the city’s landmarks glow.

What one reviewer said: “This ride was most definitely our highlight of London. Super fun ride and the BEST guides. They made it entertaining, enjoyable, and educational! My 14-year-old could not stop smiling and my 78-year-old mom was thrilled, for real … Don’t miss out on this core memory!” Jonathan_T, October 2024

What?: Undoubtedly among the most famous London landmarks, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament sit alongside the River Thames. Get the inside scoop on their rich history and stunning architecture from a local expert on a guided tour, which also takes you to other must-see places in London.

When?: You can catch a glimpse of Big Ben from the outside, but the clock tower and Houses of Parliament are only accessible through guided tours.

What one reviewer said: “Wonderful overview and stories. Remarkable trip. Will do it again and hopefully get the same guide. Loved it!” Daniel_L, March 2025

What?: At 350 acres (142 hectares), Hyde Park is one of London’s largest and most famous royal parks. Once the private hunting grounds of Henry VIII, it's now a public haven where you’ll find everything from open-air concerts to relaxing boat rides and bike tours.

When?: Hyde Park is open daily from dawn to midnight. Thanks to the size of the park, it rarely feels too busy and is a lovely spot for some respite from city sightseeing.

What one reviewer said: I had a wonderful time, the guide Ola was incredibly friendly and very informative. I was able to see much more of London because the bike saved so much time. I would definitely do this tour again.” Aubrey_Y, October 2024

What?: The British Museum is vast and packed with artifacts from Ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, and beyond. Not sure where to start? A small-group guided tour takes you straight to the highlights—think: the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies, and Sutton Hoo treasure—with an expert guide bringing their stories to life.

When?: The British Museum is open daily from morning to afternoon with extended hours on Fridays. It’s often busy, so plan to arrive close to the opening time if you can to avoid the biggest crowds.

What one reviewer said: “Having a personalized tour with someone so knowledgeable is a clear game changer. There is no way that you can fully grasp the context of the displays without it. Excellent curated experience.” Belinda_C, February 2025