London Must-Do Attractions
My Favorite Must-Do Attractions in London
London is a vibrant city that seamlessly blends rich history with modern innovation, making it a fantastic destination for travelers. Iconic landmarks like the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and the Houses of Parliament provide a glimpse into the city’s storied past, while attractions like the Shard and the Tate Modern showcase its contemporary flair. Visitors can explore the diverse neighborhoods, from the historic charm of Covent Garden to the eclectic atmosphere of Camden Market. Greeneries such as Hyde Park and Kew Gardens offer peaceful retreats amidst the urban bustle. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy world-class theater in the West End, indulge in afternoon tea, or take a leisurely stroll along the Thames. With its wealth of cultural experiences, dining options, and lively atmosphere, London is a city that truly has something for everyone. After visiting London many times, it's hard not to fall in love with its vibrant culture and rich history. Here are my top must-do attractions that I would recommend for anyone visiting this magnificent city, but trust me, after you go, I promise you will want to visit again and again until you hit all of your London bucket-list items!
Buckingham Palace
No visit to London would be complete without a trip to Buckingham Palace. This iconic residence is the epitome of British royalty, and I recommend buying a ticket for an inside tour when the State Rooms are open, typically from July to September. After touring, take a moment to sit on the back patio and indulge in afternoon tea, soaking in the royal atmosphere. Don’t forget to explore St. James Park right next door, where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll and take in the beautiful gardens, swans, and vibrant flowers.
Big Ben and Parliament
As you approach the majestic Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, you'll be captivated by their stunning architecture. I suggest visiting in the morning to enjoy the sights before the crowds arrive. If you’re interested, you can purchase tickets for an inside tour, but honestly, just gazing at the grandeur from the outside is more than sufficient. Take your time to stroll along the River Thames and capture picturesque views of these iconic landmarks.
Tower of London
The Tower of London is a must-see for history buffs, with its enigmatic tales of intrigue, imprisonment, and execution. When you purchase your tickets, I recommend arriving first thing in the morning to avoid the long lines. Inside, don't miss the Crown Jewels, which showcase the symbolism of Britain’s monarchy, and be sure to hear the captivating stories shared by the Yeoman Warders. The history of this fortress is rich, and exploring the White Tower and the medieval architecture will transport you back in time.
Westminster Abbey
Visiting Westminster Abbey is like stepping into a sacred chapter of British history. Ensure you buy tickets to enter this architectural marvel. Inside, marvel at the stunning gothic architecture and explore the tombs of notable figures like Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, and the famous Poet's Corner. The Abbey has hosted countless royal events, including weddings and coronations, making it a significant landmark in British culture.
Favorite Museums
London is home to many world-class museums, and I love the British Museum for its vast collection of art and artifacts from around the world, including the Rosetta Stone. The National Gallery, located in Trafalgar Square, houses an impressive collection of European paintings by masters like Van Gogh and Titian. Lastly, the Victoria and Albert Museum is a must for anyone interested in design and decorative arts. The best part? All three museums are free! Choose the one that piques your interest the most and spend several hours immersed in art and history.
Covent Garden
Another favorite spot of mine is Covent Garden, known for its lively atmosphere, shops, and street performances. I recommend going in the morning to enjoy the buzz before it gets overcrowded. Explore the market stalls, enjoy a coffee at one of the local cafes, and don’t miss the chance to watch talented street performers showcasing their skills.
Hyde Park
Hyde Park is another gem that should not be overlooked. This expansive green space offers beautiful walking trails, serene lakes, and gardens perfect for a leisurely afternoon. Whether you choose to rent a bike or simply enjoy a picnic, spending a few hours here is a wonderful way to unwind amidst the chaos of the city.
Day Trip to Windsor Castle
If you have time for a day trip, Windsor Castle is an excellent choice. To get there, take a short train ride from London, which will whisk you away to the charming village of Windsor. When you purchase tickets to visit the castle, you’ll be greeted by its stunning architecture and rich history, including the State Apartments and St. George's Chapel. The surrounding village offers quaint shops and delightful eateries to explore, making it a lovely day out.
Here are some of my must-have essentials for your next trip to London:
US to UK Travel Adapter - a must-have for any UK trip because our plugs won’t work internationally.
US to UK Travel Adapter with extension - I find hotels in London often have plugs in weird places making it hard to charge your phone next to your bed or curl your hair next to a mirror. I love traveling with this extension plug, it helps put a plug closer to where you need it! I love that this one has a UK and European converter. So you can use it on future trips as well! I’ve had this one over two years and it works great!
Portable Charger - there is so much to see in London, you may be out all day and need an extra charge. Can also come in handy on the long flight over in case your seat doesn’t have a USB option. I love that you don’t have to carry any cords for this one. You can plug it into your adapter to charge at night and throw it in your bag during the day!
Wind-proof umbrella - it can rain almost daily during some seasons in London and unexpectedly. You can always buy an umbrella there as almost every store will carry them. But if you are the type to want to pack ahead, carrying a travel umbrella is a must-have! I’ve also carried a tiny umbrella in my purse, it’s a great option for not taking up space!
Packable Rain Jacket - If you would prefer a rain jacket vs holding an umbrella, I love these packable rain jackets and use them occasionally when I think I’ll need both hands, like mapping on my phone AND pushing a stroller!
Magic Eraser - I always carry one of these on a trip. It flattens super easily and when my shoes or bags get scuffs while I’m out and about, I can clean them up quickly when I get back to the hotel. I sometimes pack one and cut it into 3-4 pieces so I can get more uses and just toss it after I use it. I love to wear white sneakers but big cities make white a bad choice. I love to do a quick wipe every day when I get back to the hotel.
20x20cm Clear Toiletry Bags - Security when leaving the UK can be pretty intense. It is best to have your liquids ready to go in 20x20cm clear sealable bags. Same rules apply for liquids as the US, you need smaller than 100mL (around 3oz) in each individual bottle of liquid and they all need to fit in the 20x20cm bag. This rule is supposed to be changing next year (Jan 2025) due to new machines scanning liquids, but I feel it is still best because we all know each airport security agent has their own preferences.
Vacuum bags - I love to pack light & I always pack a few outfits that I was going to donate and am happy to leave behind after wearing (hello new luggage space for buying new things), but I also love to separate all of my dirty laundry so its easy to unpack when I get home. I love to use compression bags to put all of my dirty clothes in and vacuum all of the extra air out. Since you no longer care about wrinkles lets just stuff the clothes in and go!
Blister Blocker - This stuff works! And London is super walkable, but sometimes if you are wearing new shoes or not used to taking so many steps in a day, this blister blocker on spots prone to blisters before you head out each day really helps prevent.
Silicone Bottle Covers - packing light on my liquids means I am sometimes taking travel sizes or those little 3oz bottles prone to spilling. I recently started using these silicone bottle covers and it has cut down spills in my toiletries bag tremendously!
To name a few…
With so many incredible things to see and do in London, it’s impossible to explore them all in one trip. However, after multiple visits, these attractions have consistently captured my heart and continue to be my favorites. From royal palaces to world-class museums, each experience uniquely reflects the charm of this remarkable city. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, I hope you find joy and adventure in exploring London!