London Bucketlist: 43 Things to do in London

London is one of my favourite cities to visit in the world, which is nice because from Canada it is one of the cheapest cities in the Europe area to fly into! If you’re trying to build your London bucketlist or are planning a trip and looking for things to do in London, keep reading! I have been to London at least 3 times, and I plan to visit even more in the future!

It is such a beautiful spot and a great starting point to explore the United Kingdom as well.

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In this article, I will cover 41 things to add to your ultimate London bucket list! This lists includes the main tourist attractions of London, as well as what to do in London on your second, third, or fourth visit to London (depending on how much time you have to explore!)

London Combo-Tickets/Tours:

• Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off, River Cruise and London Eye combo ticket
• Westminster Abbey, Big Ben & Buckingham Palace Tour
• Windsor, Stonehenge, Bath, and Roman Baths Day Trip
• London Eye and Madame Tussauds Combo Ticket
• The London Dungeon and London Eye Combo Ticket

Your London Bucketlist –

1. Big Ben

Big Ben is my favourite thing in London. It reminds me of Peter Pan and the magic of Disney, and I just love it. If you’re out exploring London, you’re bound to come across Big Ben (and the Houses of Parliament Big Ben is attached to). This is always one stop at the very top of my London Bucketlist!

To get to Big Ben easily, you can take the tube to Westminster Tube Station!

Also be sure to walk along Westminster Bridge for more photo opportunities of Big Ben, and snap some shots from across the Thames as well.

2. Rent bikes and explore the city

London has an amazing system of bikes available all over the city. You’ll find Santander bikes parked at various bike racks all over the city, and you can rent them to take your own bike tour around London. The best part? You don’t have to return your bike to the same rack you got it from. You can leave your bike at any rack around the city (as long as there’s a spot) and grab a new one when you’re ready to keep riding. 

London also has great bike lanes, which makes this an easy way to explore London!

3. Take the bikes to Hyde Park

Hyde Park is the city’s main green park and is one of the best things to do in London if you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city (while still being in the city :). I love to rent Santander bikes to explore Hyde Park on a sunny day.

4. The London Eye

An iconic part of London’s skyline, the London Eye is a great stop to make while exploring the city. You can choose to go for a ride to get a great view of London from above (including Big Ben 🙂 ), or just admire the London Eye from the ground.

Make sure to buy tickets for the London Eye in advance, especially if you’re visiting during peak season!

5. Emirates Airline Cable Car

For another amazing and unique view of London, head over to the Emirates Cable Car for a ride over the Thames River and a unique city experience.

6. Westminster Abbey

This church is such an important part of London’s past and present. Dating back to 960 AD, Westminster Abbey has been the site for countless Royal Coronations, Royal Weddings, and Funerals. There are memorials of famous poets (C.S. Lewis, Jane Austen, Shakespeare), Royal Tombs, and even the Coronation Chair. The building itself is beautiful and can be explored inside, or marvelled at from the outside. 

Check availability for tickets to Westminster Abbey here.

7. Covent Garden

Visiting the shops and restaurants of Covent Garden is a great way to spend an afternoon in London. The vibe is so fun and you can spend as much or as little time here as you want, making it the perfect stop on any day. Covent Garden is also a great place to watch street performers, or, for a colourful photo spot check out Neal’s Yard in the Covent Garden neighborhood.

8. The Shard

A part of London’s iconic skyline, The Shard is a well known skyscraper that offers great views of the city from above. Stop in at one of the many restaurants and bars to enjoy dinner and drinks with a view, or purchase a ticket to the viewing floor and get the highest view of London possible.

Check availability for entry tickets to The Shard here.

9. Camden Market 

One of the top things to do in London is to take a trip to the world famous Camden Market. With over 1,000 shops, there is something for everyone here, even if you just explore a tiny section of the market. Check out Camden Market on Instagram for inspiration on what stalls to head to when you arrive.

10. Ride a Red Bus & Visit a Red Phone Booth

A classic London tourist move, you can’t go to London and not ride an iconic red bus and take a photo with a red phone booth. If you’re looking to do a tour around London, check out the Sightseeing Bus Tour for a hop on-hop off experience. With a 24 or 48 hour ticket, a sightseeing cruise on the Thames is also included!

Or catch a city bus just for fun. This should be on everyone’s London bucketlist!

Red phone booths are everywhere in London, so stop and take some fun photos with them 🙂 beware though – if you open the door you may or may not be blessed with an unpleasant smell :/.

11. Millennium Bridge

If you’re a Harry Potter fan, a stop at the Millennium Bridge is a great thing to do in London. It is featured in the movie “Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince”, where it is destroyed by death eaters. If you’re not a fan of Harry Potter, the Millennium Bridge is a very cool bridge to check out anyway!

12. Tower Bridge 

One of the more famous bridges in London, the Tower Bridge is a sight that cannot be missed. This is the famous suspension bridge that has quickly become an icon of London. It’s really cool to wait and watch the bridge open to let ships through. If you’re looking for even more of an experience, you can buy tickets to walk through the towers of the bridge and learn more about its history for around 13£.

Check entrance ticket availability for the Tower Bridge here.

13. London Bridge 

Not as much of a sight as the other two bridges, I still wanted to mention the London Bridge as a sight to see in the city. London Bridge has quite a history and has actually been replaced multiple times. But, this is the spot of the original bridge referenced in the rhyme “London Bridge is falling down” and is something to take note of as you explore London.

14. The Tower of London

A castle right in the middle of London, this stop has to be on your London Bucketlist. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and there is such a rich history here – it was once a Royal Fortress where past monarchs used to live, executions occurred (including royal execution), and it was even a prison back in the day. Today, you can tour the Tower of London, learn the history, and explore the grounds of the world heritage site without even leaving the city.

15. Notting Hill 

This is a district in London made famous by the movie “Notting Hill”. I would add this to your London List if you’re a big fan of the movie, or looking to stray away from the “main tourist points” of London, but are still hoping to visit a somewhat known area. This neighborhood has great cafes, restaurants, a fun market, and famous spots featured in the movie. If you’re interested, check out World of Wanderlust’s Guide to Visiting Notting Hill.

16. Buckingham Palace 

Buckingham Palace is the place where the Queen lives and works. You can choose to tour the Palace if you plan ahead and secure a spot (it’s only offered certain weeks of the year), or you can admire the Palace from the gates.

A popular event to attend at Buckingham Palace is the Changing of the Guard, which usually occurs every second day around 11 am. Make sure to arrive early to secure a spot near the front of the gate, and check the calendar in advance to time your visit properly. Note: Changing of the Guard also occurs at Windsor Tower on different days.

Check availability for an entry ticket to the Buckingham Palace State Rooms here.

17. Oxford Street

London’s main street for shopping and dining, Oxford Street is a fun place to check out (even if you just walk down it). If you’re visiting around Christmas time, this street lights up with beautiful light displays strung down the street – something you can’t miss!

18. Visit Harrods 

Harrod’s is coined as “the world’s most famous department store” and is another fun stop to make if you’re on Brompton Road. If you’re in London around Christmas time, Harrod’s is decked out with magical lights and is truly a sight to see.

19. Sticky Toffee Pudding 

A classic British dessert, you have to try sticky toffee pudding while in London. My first time trying it was when I was in London, and it is now my mission to get back there and have it again. It is just so tasty!

20. St Paul’s Cathedral

The current cathedral standing here was rebuilt after the previous cathedral was burned in the Fire of London. St Paul’s is a great architectural masterpiece to visit while in London. If you’re interested in going inside, you can explore the crypt, the dome, and the chapel, all while learning the history of this beautiful place.

Check availability for entrance tickets to St. Paul’s Cathedral here.

21. Piccadilly Circus

Home to London’s large screen (similar to those in New York’s Times Square), Piccadilly Circus is a popular spot where multiple roads meet, making it a great starting point to explore some of London’s iconic spots, such as the Soho neighborhood or Leicester Square.

22. The Gherkin

Another iconic part of London’s skyline, the Gherkin is essentially a unique skyscraper located in the financial district of London. You can’t tour the Gherkin as it is mainly just offices inside, however, it is a very distinctive building to take a photo of while looking for something to do in London.

23. Sky Garden

If you’re after a free experience in London, I would highly recommend checking out the Sky Garden. This location offers amazing views over London while surrounded by plants. Looking to stay longer? Stop at one of the restaurants or bars inside for a meal and drinks with a view. (you can spot the Gherkin from here as well 🙂 )

Cost: Free – book in advance to secure your spot

24. Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre

A great thing to do in London if you’re looking to watch a famous performance such as Romeo and Juliet or A Midsummer’s Night Dream. The open-air gallery theatre is stunning and is a great way to spend an evening in London – especially in the summertime when the weather is warm

25. Explore the London Dungeon

Learn about London’s dark past at this attraction. Through rides and shows, you’ll hear learn about Jack the Ripper, Sweeny Todd, the Plague, and so much more. Find everything that’s included in your ticket here.

26. Trafalgar Square

A beautiful and famous square in London, here you’ll find The National Gallery (an art museum), the Nelson’s Column monument, the famous Trafalgar Square Lions, and beautiful fountains.

27. Check out a Museum

Most museums in London are free to enter, which is great for any traveler looking to save some money in what can be a very expensive city to visit. My favourite museum in London is the Natural History Museum, and the British Museum is very popular as well. Find a list of 25 free museums in London here.

28. Sherlock Holmes Museum

One museum in particular on a lot of travelers’ London bucketlist is the Sherlock Holmes Museum. Located at 221b Baker Street (the actual London address of Sherlock Holmes), this is a great stop for lovers of the iconic detective.

29. Kew Gardens Palm House

Located a little bit of a distance out of Central London, The Kew Gardens Palm House is a great spot for plant lovers. It’s an indoor rainforest located in the Richmond area of London. I wouldn’t venture out of my way to see it unless you’re really interested in palm houses or are staying in that part of town!

Cost: Prices fluctuate based on the season.

30. Kensington Palace and Gardens

Kensington Gardens is a beautiful spot to explore while visiting London. Pack a little picnic to enjoy here and marvel at this stunning place, This is where Queen Victoria was born at the palace and Princess Diana lived here for a while as well, so take in the history if you visit here.

31. Platform 9 3/4

Another thing to do in London for the Harry Potter fans is to stop at Platform 9 3/4 for a fun photo. You’ll find this fun photo set up at the Kings Cross Station. Be prepared to stand in line as this can be a popular spot for Harry Potter fans. I saw it as I was rushing through Kings Cross to catch my next train, and due to the line big lineup I couldn’t stop (I barely would have had time with no line up) – so plan ahead and fit this into your itinerary if you’re a fan of the movies like me 🙂

32. Walk Along the River Thames

The famous river that flows through London, it’s nice to just spend time taking in the city and wandering the River Thames. A lot of the stops mentioned on this list can be seen just by walking along the river.

33. Discover London’s Street Art

If you’re interested in street art, the Shoreditch neighborhood of London is the best place to find it. Sign up for a tour or wander the streets yourself to find your favorite piece of street art in London.

34. Royal Opera House

Located in Covent Garden (number 7 on this list), the Royal Opera House is where you can go to see the Royal Opera or the Royal Ballet. Add this stop to your London Bucketlist if you’re interested in the arts!

35. Hampton Court Palace

A beautiful palace where King Henri VIII lived, this place is simply stunning. The Hampton Court Gardens are amazing, there is a maze to explore, and so much history and grandeur here. If you’ve never explored a royal palace, the Hampton Court Palace is a great option.

36. Enjoy a Full English Breakfast

You can’t go to London and not enjoy a full English breakfast! Comprised of fried eggs, sausages, back bacon, tomatoes, baked beans, toast, and usually a black pudding, this is one dish that will fill you up and leave you ready to explore the rest of the day.

37. Portobello Road Market

Saturday is the main day to visit the Portobello Road Market which is coined as the Worlds Largest Antique Market. You can still visit this huge market on Mondays – Fridays as well, but not all shops are open. The Road Market is closed on Sundays.

38. Enjoy Afternoon Tea

If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the classic British tradition of afternoon tea, the Ritz London seems like the place to do it. They have a certified tea master, providing you with a large selection of teas to choose from while enjoying pastries, sandwiches, and scones in one of the prettiest hotels in London.

For a unique afternoon tea experience, book a spot on the afternoon tea double decker bus to enjoy tea and prosecco, or have afternoon tea on a river cruise of the Thames.

39. Columbia Road Flower Market

Another street market for your London bucketlist. The Columbian Street Market is only open on Sundays and gives visitors the chance to shop for flowers, cupcakes, art, and so much more while exploring one of the prettiest markets in London.

40. Take a Walking Tour

If you’re short on time, signing up for a walking tour is the best way to see the highlights of London. Join a free walking tour and tip the guide for their time and knowledge. Walking tours are also a great way to initially get to know London and possibly meet new travelers as well!

You can also look into signing up for a paid, guided walking tour to learn about specific London topics, like this Jack the Ripper walking tour or this Harry Potter guided walking tour.

41. Immerse Yourself in Harry Potter

I’ve already talked about Platform 9 3/4 (#31 in this post) and a Harry Potter walking tour (#40), but there is still so much more Harry Potter to enjoy in London!

In the outskirts of London there is a Warner Bros Harry Potter Studio where you can see sets, props, and costumes from the movies! If you’re big into Harry Potter, this cannot be missed.

Check availability for entrance tickets and round-trip transfers from London here, or make it a full-day and explore Oxford as well as the Harry Potter studio!

42. Cruise the Rive Thames

The Thames River is the river that runs through the City of London, and it is so iconic to London!

A popular thing to add to your London bucketlist is to take a cruise on the Thames. There are a few options for cruises, as you can use the river as a way to get around the interior of London on a hop-on hop-off sightseeing cruise, or cruise from Westminster Pier to Tower Bridge.

43. Take a Day trip to Brighton

I loved visiting Brighton back in 2014. A cute little beach town, I would highly recommend visiting Brighton if you’re looking to get out of London during the summer. The Brighton Bridge is stunning and even has a small amusement park on it! The best part is it is only an hour train ride away, making it the perfect London daytrip.

London Bucket List FAQ

London Bucketlist Summary

London truly is a city like no other, it has so much history, culture, and endless attractions to explore. It is one of my favourite cities in the world!

Whether you’re hoping to see iconic landmarks like Big Ben and Buckingham Palace, explore the streets of Camden Market, see everything Harry Potter, ride a bike through Hyde Park, or SO much more, London offers something for every traveler.

There are also some amazing day trips from London as well!

Hopefully this guide helps you to create your London bucketlist and plan what you are going to do next time you’re in London!

Thanks for reading! What’s on your ultimate London bucket list?

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