London is one of the most visited cities in the world for tourists. In fact last year 31.5 million people visited the capital of England last year and that number seems to be increasing year on year.
With the British pound down against the Australian dollar, there has never been a better time to visit London. If you look in the right places you can get yourself a return flight for under $1000 these days which is incredible to think about really as back in the day that would have barely got you one way.
But enough of the semantics, you have come here to look at things to do in London. That list could honestly be a mile long, so narrowing it down to 10 things to do was a tough ask.
I have personally been to the city on a number of occasions and have done all the things that are listed below, so can tell you from personal experience that these highlights are a good start for your trip.
“You will absolutely love London”
#1 – London Eye
Built in the year 2000, the London Eye is one of the most recognisable attractions in the world. Situated on the South Bank of the River Thames, it attracts 3.75 million visitors annually and is well worth checking out.
It is right near Big Ben and all those landmarks, so no doubt you will be visiting the general area on your travels. I have been on it twice, both during the day and at night time, so the time of day really throws up two completely different experiences.
Each passenger capsule (as they call them) holds up to 25 people and there are audio and visual prompts during the journey that points out all the landmarks scattered throughout the amazing city. For a cost of about $30AU, your jour journey will last about 30 minutes and it is certainly recommended.
#2 – Big Ben
After you get off London Eye, why not take a brisk 10 minute walk to the famous Big Ben just over the bridge. It is one of the most photographed landmarks in the entire world and it is a damn fine structure if I may say so myself.
The tower was built in 1859 and is also commonly referred to as the Clock Tower. It holds the second largest four faced chiming clock in the world and we recommend you hang around to hear the bells chime at each hour to really soak up the atmosphere.
Few sights in the world compare to Big Ben so if you want a good photo, you may have to compete with hundreds of others for a good spot.
#3 – London Dungeon
This is a really cool place to visit. It is a tourist attraction which is set in a medieval dungeon type setting with drama actors taking you through different areas, giving you both a historical lessons and also frightening the pants off you!
I did it several years ago now and it has since moved location, but I understand the new location has seen the production improve significantly. The live actors are very life like, while the special effects are top notch in bringing it to life.
It was actually quite interesting to learn about how life was back then as you listen to 18 different shows about such things as the Black Death, Jack The Ripper, The Great Fire and so on. They also have 3 rides including the Drop of Doom which simulates a public hanging.
#4 – Buckingham Palace
Yet another thing that is listed high on just about every list of things to do in London is Buckingham Palace. You would know the palace as the home of the British Queen as well as the State Rooms. In fact you see it on just about every movie that features the city.
You can either walk there, which is about 30 minutes or so, or you can get one of those red double decker busses. It is a mighty fine looking building too and well worth the effort of going to visit. Even just to see those soldiers with the long hair who stand still.
The Palace was built in 1703 and has been the home of every King or Queen of England since 1837. It contains 775 rooms and if you are really lucky, you may even be able to get to see the Queen herself. Imagine taking home a photo of her to show your friends!
#5 – Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey is a gothic church which was built between 1540 and 1556. Prior to that there was a church that occupied the same land which has origins back to 1066 and was where Harold Godwinson and William the Conqueror were crowned.
These days it attracts millions of tourists a year and I highly advise you to check it out in your stay in the city. It is a self guided tour, so you pay your fee and they give you a little audio machine with headphones and you walk around the Abbey and learn as you go.
Over the years there has been at least 16 royal weddings held at the Abbey, while it is also the final resting players of some of the most prominent British people in history. You can see the resting place of 500yo kings and it is a fascinating experience.
#6 – Hyde Park
A trip to London would not be complete without a visit to Hyde Park. It is the cities answer to Central Park in New York and it is one of the largest parks in London. It is situated in the Kensington area so is a little bit of a walk away, but it is certainly worth the trip.
Throughout the year there are plenty of events and carnivals and concerts and so forth. When you head to there make sure you jump on google or check out the Hyde Park website to see what events are on during your stay.
I was lucky when I visited. I was there in December and got to enjoy Winter Wonderland which is a special Christmas celebration held each year, so if you are there around Christmas time then be sure to add this to your list of things to do.
#7 – Madame Tussauds
I’m sure you have all heard of the popular wax museum Madame Tussauds. But if you haven’t then make sure you add this to your list of things to do. It is a wax museum of famous people and the resemblance to each person is uncanny.
It is situated right next to London Eye and Big Ben, so no doubt you will certainly be in the area. You could do the entire thing in around an hour or so you would be silly not to check it out.
The gallery now has branches all over the world, but this particular one is in fact the first one that was ever made, way back in 1835. You can get your photo taken with all your favourite celebrities and there is music and interactive things scattered throughout.
#8 – St Paul’s Cathedral
I stumbled upon this randomly on my visit to the city. While I had heard of it, it was not really on my list of things to see in London. But boy am I glad that I came across it because it was an absolutely stunning thing to see.
St Paul’s Cathedral cathedral was constructed between 1675 and 1710 and is still a working church through to this current day. It is an absolutely amazing structure to see, both inside and out, with beautiful artwork that has to be seen to be believed.
While you’re there be sure to do the 90 minute tour and to make your way to the top. It may not be for the faint hearted and is a tough walk up the spirals, but once you get to the top you will understand what I mean about how spectacular it is. You will get 360 degree views of the city.
#9 – Science Museum
Who doesn’t love to check out a good science museum?! The Science Museum certainly ranks as one of the best ones in the world. Open between 10am-6pm, it began operations in 1928 and attract millions of tourists a year.
It is the perfect stop for young families and kids, while older couples will enjoy themselves as well. I would recommend you set yourself a good 2-3 hours minimum to really get around and see all the major exhibits.
The museum boasts a whopping 300,000 items in their collection with famous items such as Stephenson’s Rocket, Puffing Billy, the first jet engine plus a host of other fascinating subjects. There is even a prototype of a 10,000 year old clock!
#10 – Catch A Soccer Game
Or should I say football? Yeah definitely don’t get caught saying soccer over there, it is a sin! I am adding this to the list as I absolutely love football and catching a Premier League game is one of the highlights of my trip over there.
The atmosphere is absolutely incredible as the fans sing and chant for 90 minutes and the final result feels like it is a matter of life or death. Be sure not to wear the colours of the opposition team by accident, a mistake I found out the hard way.
Of course if you don’t like football then you may like to check out some other popular sites and attractions as London Bridge, Natural History Museum, Crown Jewels, Trafalgar Square, Leicester Square, Churchill War Rooms, London Zoo, Harrods, Somerset House and ahhhhh the list is too long!
