25 best things to do in London (England) - El Turista Loco (2023)

With 27 million visitors a year, London is the most visited city in Europe. It's no surprise that London is at the top of so many people's travel plans: the city was founded by the Romans and has evolved over the centuries.

Today, London is one of the most diverse cities in the world, with a rich history and some of the world's most outstanding cultures.

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The City of London is the old center of London, but it is actually the smallest city in London.England. The London we are familiar with encompasses a much larger metropolitan area and is home to nearly 9 million people.

Divided into the vibrant and distinctive areas of North, West, South and East London, as well as the commercial and tourist hub of Central London, each borough has its own recognizable neighborhood. There is always something to see and do in London. With some of the best art, entertainment, shopping, dining and history in the world, it's impossible to get bored in London.

let's explore thembest things to do in london:

1. Hydepark

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Hyde Park is possibly the most famous park in London, and it is one of the largest. The park has historical significance as it has been the site of a number of demonstrations and protests, including suffragette protests.

The park's famous Speaker's Corner is still occupied by debates, protests and performance artists every week. The park is home to several memorials, as well as two bodies of water, the most famous of which is the Serpentine. Here you can go pedal boating, see several swans and get some fresh air in the middle of the city. Essential

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2. Westminster

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Westminster is considered the political center of London and is home to the Houses of Parliament and the world famous Big Ben. Big Ben is the name of the bell located in the famous clock tower that still rings every hour.

Here you will also find Westminster Abbey, which is open to the public on most days. While visiting these places, be sure to take a break in Parliament Square, which is home to statues of major political figures such as Nelson Mandela and Winston Churchill.

online book:Entrance ticket to Westminster Abbey

3. Camden

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Camden is a well-known cultural district in North London. Known for its alternative culture, the crowds here are packed with goths, punks, rockabillys, and tourists alike. Camden has a vibrant bodymod community and you'll find plenty of piercing and tattoo shops in this part of town.

Eclectic and diverse, Camden Market offers street food from international cuisines, as well as many stalls selling unique jewelry and art to take home. Browse racks of vintage clothing, find a used book for your trip, or visit one of the best vegan bakeries in town at Cookies And Scream.

After your shopping spree, walk to Camden Lock to relax along the Regent's Canal or stroll along the seafront to King's Cross.

related tour:Wasserbus Regent's Canal Little Venice and Camden Town

4. London Eye

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A trip to London is not complete without a visit to the iconic London Eye. Originally built to celebrate the millennium, the Eye is a giant Ferris wheel that offers great views of the city. At night, the wheel is lit up in the colors of the season and is the centerpiece of London's annual New Year's fireworks display.

You can share one of the spacious pods with other enthusiastic visitors, or enjoy a private pod just for you and someone special. Combine your visit to the Eye with a trip to the adjacent London Aquarium to see aquatic creatures from around the world, including jellyfish, seahorses and crocodiles.

online book:Die London Eye-Tickets

5. Soho

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Soho has long been known as the base of London's sex industry. The area is now the most popular nightlife in the city, although there are still a few sex shops here and there, giving Soho a deliciously edgy vibe. Soho is often considered the hub of the city's LGBTQ* community, with plenty of gay and lesbian bars to visit after the sun goes down.

As well as bars and clubs, Soho has a variety of theatres, jazz bars and restaurants to explore, making it a cultural hotspot. It's also a great place for drinks after a play or show due to its proximity to Leicester Square.

Soho doesn't lose any of its charm during the day. Here you will find many music shops, small cafes and quaint bakeries. Stop for coffee and cake on Old Compton Street for the perfect people-watching experience.

take a tour:Piccadilly and Soho Beer Bike Tour

6. Shoreditch

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Shoreditch, one of London's trendiest areas, has recently undergone a major facelift. It is now one of the trendiest nightclubs in the city and one of the best places to stay in London.

Packed with bars and restaurants, it is the perfect place to spend the day and night. Check out Trapeze, a circus-themed bar serving endlessly creative drinks in tub-style glasses of popcorn.

For fans of pop culture, there's Far Rockaway, a laid-back bar and restaurant filled with comic books, band posters, and a 90s night out. Or head to Blues Kitchen for a night of blues paired with sticky ribs. and other typical American dishes.

Tour available:Jack the Ripper Walking Tour

7. Hampstead-Heide

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Hampstead Heath is one of the largest parks in London, covering 790 hectares. It sits on one of the highest points in London and offers great views of the city from Parliament Hill.

The moor features grassy fields, wooded areas, and several large ponds. It is the best place to experience nature in London, with lots of wildlife and little woods to get lost in.

There are swimming pools for those brave enough to swim outdoors in the great British weather. History buffs can visit Kenwood House, a historic mansion known for its curated art collection.

interactive visit:Hampstead Self Guided Discovery Walk Game

8. BFI

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The BFI, or British Film Institute, is a must-see for movie lovers. Located on the ever-popular Southbank, the BFI is the perfect place to relax after a stroll along the seafront and soak up the culture and atmosphere of this vibrant part of the city.

The BFI screens movies every day, from blockbusters to re-releases of cult classics and one-off screenings of independent hits. There is also a library and a shop for those who like to take movies seriously. The BFI also has its own riverside bar and restaurant for a delicious meal or to catch up on the latest movie releases over a drink.

9. Cruise on the River Thames

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The Thames is the soul of London and has brought industry to the city for centuries. It is the longest river in England and flows into the North Sea at its end. It has been the base of settlements since prehistoric times and was of strategic importance to the Roman and English kings and during both world wars.

There are several companies in London that offer cruises on the Thames. Cruises depart regularly every 30 minutes from several key locations. Cruises pass several key landmarks including Tower Bridge, the Houses of Parliament, and the London Eye.

Some cruises operate at night so you can see the sights illuminated, while others are served with a meal or afternoon tea. This is a beautiful and unique way to see the city along the historic River Thames.

Boxthis list of cruisesYou can book online.

10. Bäckerstraße

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One of London's cultural mainstays is Baker Street, best known as the street where Arthur Conan Doyle's infamous detective Sherlock Holmes lived.

Today there is a Sherlock Holmes museum near the tube station, which was particularly popular after the BBC's "Sherlock" revival.

Madame Tussauds is just around the corner, the internationally renowned wax museum where you can pose with your favorite stars.

Then escape the crowds of Baker Street in nearby Regent's Park or scale Primrose Hill for the most spectacular views of the City of London.

11. Brixton Academy

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For those looking for live music, London has thousands of unique venues to offer. The venues span all niches or you can just head out for an open night at a local pub and check out some up and coming musicians. However, one of the best places in the city is Brixton Academy in South London.

The Academy was originally a theater and cinema called the Astoria, which opened in 1929. Fifty years later, the venue became the Academy and is now home to some of the biggest rock and pop acts in the world.

Acts that have played at Brixton Academy include The Clash, Sex Pistols, New Order and Madonna. The Smiths played their last gig at Brixton Academy. This is the ideal music venue if you want to listen to live music in London.

12. ElO2

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The O2 Arena was originally built to celebrate the Millennium, nicknamed the Millennium Dome. It once functioned as an exhibition center with various exhibits and hands-on activities aimed primarily at children.

Today, it's a top destination for live music and stage performances, regularly hosting the biggest names in entertainment. It also houses a cinema and several bars and restaurants with cuisines from all over the world.

The O2 is an ideal place to hang out with friends. If you're looking for some adventure, try climbing to the top of the O2. These guided walking tours allow you to climb the length of the dome to the roof, where you will have great views of the city. Then take the Emirates Airline across the water. La Línea Aérea is a cable car connection that offers an exciting and unique view of the city.

Best rated tour (most booked):Climb to the roof of the O2 Arena

Another great way to explore London's nightlife is with this excellent review.London Nightlife and Pub Crawl

13. Ziegelgasse

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Brick Lane became famous through the book and film adaptation of the same name. As the book's narrative makes clear, Brick Lane is the heart of the London community in Bangladesh. An incredibly diverse neighborhood with street signs in both English and Bengali, Brick Lane is known for its abundance of curry houses.

This is the perfect place to grab something spicy, but be sure to stop by one of the many sweet shops for authentic South Asian desserts. The area also offers a variety of trendy bars, as well as regular market squares, attracting a young and stylish crowd.

If you're looking for art, head around the corner to the Whitechapel Gallery, or browse the many pieces of street art on Brick Lane and the surrounding streets.

14. Chinatown

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London's Chinatown is centered around Gerrard Street, between Soho and Leicester Square. With its Chinese lanterns and striking red arches, this vibrant neighborhood is hard to miss. Filled with authentic Asian restaurants, as well as secret supermarkets and bars, there's always something new to discover in Chinatown. For a slice of true Asian cuisine, try the HK Diner for delicious roast duck, good service and large portions. They also serve bubble tea, an Asian trend that has recently hit town!

15. Electric Avenue

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Electric Avenue is a street in Brixton, South London, famous for being the first commercial street in London to be lit with electricity. It spawned Eddy Grant's No. 1 song and has been at the center of some parts of London history, including the Brixton race riots of 1981. Today, Electric Avenue is home to Brixton Market, a diverse food market and eclectic.

After that, check out the rest of the neighborhood. Brixton is home to a variety of small businesses selling unique, quirky and handmade items. This is one of the most diverse areas of London and a great place to shop or listen to live music.

16. Piccadilly-Zirkus

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Piccadilly Circus is instantly recognisable, a square filled with bright lights and huge electronic screens. Piccadilly Circus has been a popular venue in London since the 17th century, when it was a shopping mall.

Today it remains the heart of the West End, with easy access from Piccadilly Circus to some of London's biggest theaters and nightclubs, including the Criterion Theatre. The statue of Eros in the center of the circus is itself a popular meeting place and destination.

Visit Ripley's Believe it or Not museum in Piccadilly Circus to learn some new facts and see the world's strangest things. The Trocadero is home to an arcade and a few specialty shops to satisfy your pop culture cravings.

17. Oxfordstraße

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Oxford Street is not only London's main shopping venue, but also the busiest shopping street in Europe. It has 300 stores and receives more than 500,000 daily visitors.

Shop till you drop at internationally renowned designer shops and department stores such as Debenhams and House of Fraser. Selfridges offers beautiful and intricate window displays that change with the seasons. These often feature interactive windows and works by renowned artists.

Around Christmas, Oxford Street's Christmas lights brighten up your shopping spree and add some sparkle to the evenings.

18. Leicester-Platz

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Follow in the footsteps of Hollywood stars by visiting Leicester Square. The square is best known for the movie premieres of some of the biggest blockbusters. In fact, the square has been a London hotspot since 1670 and a center of entertainment since the 19th century.

The square is surrounded by several cinemas with some of the largest screens in the city, as well as a variety of restaurants. The garden in the middle of the square is perfect for cooling off in the summer or for resting after a long day in London.

Head to the Prince Charles Cinema for cult movies, song screenings and epic marathon nights. Leicester Square also hosts Chinese New Year celebrations, where you can watch traditional dancing dragons and lose yourself in the crowd.

19. Galleries

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London is an ideal city for art lovers with so many galleries showcasing the best of classic and contemporary art. Most of the city's galleries are free to visit, including the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square. With works by da Vinci, Turner, van Gogh and Rembrandt, the National Gallery has something for everyone.

To enjoy the rich modern art, visit the Tate Modern on the Southbank. The building itself is a work of art, towering over the waterfront. Inside you will find pieces by Picasso, Klee and Delauney. The gallery also has interesting temporary exhibitions on each level of the building, making it the perfect place for an art exhibition.

20. Harrods

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Harrods is one of London's most famous department stores, best known for catering to the elite and the super-rich. Harrods has been a patron of Oscar Wilde, Laurence Olivier and the royal family since it opened in 1824.

The luxury is spread over several floors, elegantly arranged through Harrods themed lounges. The food hall sells delicious delights, from fresh meats and cheeses to premium jams and cakes. The Egyptian Hall offers opulent style fashions to make you feel like a pharaoh as you walk around.

At Christmas, Harrods put together a range of luxury baskets filled with sweet treats to make the celebrations even more special. Explore the building and lose yourself shopping for opulent perfumes, children's toys and even pets in London's most exclusive department stores.

21. Platform 9 ¾

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King's Cross is one of the busiest places in the city with a railway station that has been open since 1852, serving much of the country. Recent renovations have given the station a sleek, modern look. Try to find the hidden tunnel with cleverly lit walls.

But to many people around the world, King's Cross is better known for something else: the station Harry Potter uses to travel to Hogwarts. You can now visit Platform 9 ¾ in real life at King's Cross Station.

Pose next to a luggage cart that magically disappears into the wall and take a photo to commemorate your magical journey forever. Don't forget to use the colors of the house.

22. Museums

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London is one of the world's best cities for culture with a number of free museums. Museums are packed on Exhibition Road in South Kensington.

Start with the Natural History Museum and pose for a photo with the infamous Diplodocus skeleton in the main room. Explore the museum and find ancient fossils and stuffed animals, including a replica of a dodo.

Then, visit the Science Museum next door for hands-on activities and examine scientific advances over the centuries.

A short walk to the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) shifts the focus to cultural history.

The V&A Museum showcases works of art alongside fashion and home essentials from around the world. Here you will find art students busy drawing the classical statues and iron work.

Finally, visit the British Museum, where you can see the Rosetta stone and mummified remains, and explore centuries of archaeological discoveries.

The Samsung Digital Discovery Center is perfect for kids, with hundreds of free activities to explore history and culture through modern technology.

23. Calle Bond

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Linked to Oxford Street, Bond Street is a popular shopping area in its own right. Bond Street differs from Oxford Street in its variety of shops, with a much greater focus on exclusive and designer. Bond Street is one of the most expensive shopping streets in London and is well worth a visit for some luxury.

Bouncers patiently stand in front of many store entrances. Diamonds sparkle in the windows of watch and jewelry stores and even in handbag stores. On this street you will find Tiffany's, as well as the flagship stores of Cartier and Ralph Lauren.

After window-shopping, or flashing cash, pose on a bench with the 'Allies' statue of Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt. End your Bond Street excursion by looking for London's oldest outdoor sculpture above the entrance to Sotheby's. This sculpture dates back to ancient Egypt and is over 3,000 years old.

24. Buckingham Palace

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A trip to London is incomplete without strolling through Green Park to see Buckingham Palace. The palace has been the home of the British royal family since 1837. It has 775 rooms and the largest private garden in London.

A part of the palace is open to visitors, so you can see a small part of the royal way of life. Watch the world famous Changing of the Guard from the outside. This process takes place several times a day and is a great opportunity to witness a storied tradition and the highest discipline of the Royal Guard, all dressed in London's legendary bearskin.

25. Explore at night

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London is a vibrant metropolis both by day and by night. There is always something going on after dark, from unique events to club nights. As the sun sets, the lights of London come on, giving the city a magical glow.

There are free walking tours that explore the city at night, or you can hop on an overnight tour bus. See St. Paul's Cathedral illuminated after dark or see the gothic architecture of Big Ben and Westminster Cathedral. Visit Soho and the West End for a vibrant nightlife among the huge neon signs.

Head a little further to Hampstead Heath for stargazing or visit Hyde Park at night, where bats are often seen. Finally, after a long day and night exploring one of the world's greatest cities, head to the Polo Bar on Liverpool Street for 24-hour greasy dining.