“London: A city that offers the world in one place.” – Stephen Fry
I don’t often start a guide with quotes, but I feel it is a perfect fit for a city rich in life. Everything you want to do or see can be found in London. History, nightlife, food, culture. It also means knowing exactly what to do can be tiring.
I grew up in London. My parents have taught me studying abroad, and while they taught classes, I often walked down the streets and learned as much as I could. I then spent a year at nearby Oxford and frequently ventured to London.
So I present a list of my list along with the mast.
This city is constantly changing. But here are a few things you shouldn’t miss.
Top things to do in London
A museum worth visiting
Is London full of amazing museums? Many of them are free! It is recommended to choose just one or two to avoid burnout. This is my favorite:
- Natural History Museum – many animal specimens and natural history – is also a beautiful building.
- Victoria and the Albert Museum (V&A) – A stunning mix of art, fashion and design. Plus, there’s an amazing cafe inside.
- National Portrait Gallery – Essential for history and art lovers.
- British Museum – Home to world-famous artifacts like Rosetta Stone and Elgin Marbles.
- Churchill War Room – The charming underground bunker of World War II (this is not free, but it’s worth it!).
Iconic landmarks and historic sites
- Westminster Abbey and St. Paul’s Cathedral – These two are London’s most famous churches, and both are absolutely breathtaking. They are a bit expensive so give them time to explore properly.
- Tower of London – Home to the crown jewels. It’s one of London’s top tourist attractions, so book in advance.
- Tower Bridge – Don’t confuse it with the London Bridge (this is not so impressive). Walk for a spectacular view.
- Shard -This skyscraper offers the best panoramic views of the city. If you don’t want to pay for tickets to the observation deck, grab a drink at one of the bars inside!
London Theatre: Must see!
The London theatre scene is invincible, with tickets much cheaper than Broadway. Here are some great options:
- Classic favorites: Mama Mia! (I’ve seen it at least 20 times!) The Lion King, Opera Phantom, evil.
- New Show: Return to the future (Amazing special effects), The devil is wearing prada (Get great reviews), Average girl, The suspicious wife (Happy!).
- Where to buy tickets:Please check the Leicester Square booth. London Theatre Direct.
Wander before the show Covent Garden – Lots of cute shops, street performers and great restaurants.
The perfect neighborhood to explore
- Notting Hill – One of London’s most beautiful areas, features colorful houses, cute cafes and the famous Portobello Road Market.
- Autonomous Region Market – A must for food lovers. It is one of London’s best markets and is packed with incredible street food and gourmet treats. (Fun fact: Bridget Jones’ Diary and Harry Potter The scene was filmed here! ).
- Seven Dials and Lead Hole Market – Perfect for walking, shopping and enjoying beautiful old world architecture.
- Regent Park – London has more parks than any other big city, which is my favorite (I’m biased – my parents taught here!).
Where to eat in London?
The London food scene is one of the best scenes in the world. Here is my recommendation:
- Traditional British: Fish and chips, meat pie, cream and jam scones – you should try it!
- Indian and Asian cuisine: London is doing this very well. Fun fact: Chicken Tikka Masala is considered a national British dish.
- Fortnum & Mason – Instead of Harrods, I prefer to shop (and eat!) here. Their restaurant is great.
London map
Day Trip from London
If you have extra time, these are great day trips from London:
- Oxford – Harry Potter Vibes, the oldest university to speak English, just an hour!
- Cotswolds – A picture book village with a gentle hill. Here is the complete guide.
- Windsor Castle – For about an hour, this royal residence is fantastic.
- Hampton Court Palace – Complete with Henry VIII’s favorite palace, maze!
- Stonehenge & Bus – Visit the mysterious Stonehenge and then explore the elegant city of Georgians.
- Brighton – A fun seaside town with quirky shops and famous piers.
- Cambridge – A beautiful university town with stunning architecture and punting on a river cam.
Final Tips for London
- Public transport is your best friend – Get an Oyster card or use contactless payments for tubes and buses.
- Plan ahead – Popular attractions are booked at high speed, so buy your tickets in advance.
- Don’t try to do everything – London is huge. Choose a few key spots each day and enjoy the experience without rushing.
No matter what you do, London is a city that will never be disappointed. Happy exploration!
Source: Helene in Between – heleneinbetween.com
