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London is one of the most visited cities in the world. Only Paris boasts more annual visitors than the English capital. First-time visitors to London can often feel overwhelmed when planning their itinerary. The city has so much to see and do, spread over such a vast area that it is difficult to fit it all in. I have compiled the following list of the 50 must-have experiences when visiting London. This list features the best of many aspects that the city offers. From markets to art galleries to beautiful parks, London really has it all.
1. Visit the home of the Royal Family
By no means the most exciting attraction in London but yet a visit to the Royal Palace in a necessity for any first time visitor.
2. And time it perfectly to see the Changing of the Guard
Time your visit right and you will see the Changing of the Guard. This ceremony takes place daily at 11:00 and 10:00 on Sundays.
3. Spend hours exploring the most famous shop in London, Harrods
Getting lost in this megastore is a must when you first visit London.
4. The Tower of London
This castle sitting on the bank of the River Thames is a fantastic place to learn about the history of the Royal Family.
5. Tower Bridge
This imposing bridge is an iconic London landmark.
6. Eat some of the best Fish and Chips you will ever have
Choosing what is the number one dish in England is hard but the classic Fish and Chips must be right up there. Everywhere you look someplace will be claiming to be the best but visit Masters Superfish, my personal favourite.
7. And a traditional Pie
Just like fish and chips, no country does pies better than England. London has many great places to grab a pie but I personally love Piebury Corner. I cannot consider any trip to London a successful one unless I visit this restaurant.
8. Start your day off with a full English breakfast at E Pellici or Regency
As a nation, the English are very proud of their traditional breakfast. Try a full English at one of London’s most well-known cafes such as Regency Cafe or E Pellicci.
9. The London Eye
Whilst paying big money to go up a giant Ferris wheel isn’t my idea of a good time, there is no doubting the pull the London Eye has for many visitors.
10. The Shard
The Shard, Londons tallest building offers views of the city that no other building can. Although it costs money to go to the top, avoid the entrance fees by visiting the bar and enjoy the view whilst having a drink.
11. Climb the O2 Arena Roof
Every day hundreds of people climb the roof of this entertainment venue. They are then rewarded with almost unbeatable views of London across the river.
12.Discover the world of Harry Potter at the Warner Brothers Studio Tour
The Warner Bros Studios are often the reason many Harry Potter fans visit London. This studio tour deserves all the plaudits that it receives.
13. And visit Platform 9 and 3/4s at Kings Cross Station
Kings Cross Station even jumped on the Harry Potter train by creating Platform 9 and 3/4s. Expect a long wait for a picture here.
14. See Big Ben
Even though Big Ben is undergoing some major construction work, this landmark remains a must-see.
15. St. Pauls Cathedral
Sitting atop Ludgate Hill, the highest point of the City of London, St. Pauls Cathedral is one of the most famous and most recognisable sights of London.
16. Visit Westminster Abbey, the site of Royal Coronations
Westminster Abbey is best known for being the venue of many Royal Weddings, coronations and burials.
17. The Churchill War Rooms
You don’t have to be a fan of Winston Churchill nor the work he did to enjoy this attraction. This insight into the bomb shelters used by high ranking parliament members during World War II is an excellent insight into the past.
18. Borough Market
Borough Market has a fantastic mix of amazing fresh produce and some of the best street food London has to offer.
19. Camden Market
Although becoming increasingly touristy, Camden Market remains one of my favourite places in London to spend a few hours.
20. Brick Lane
This market is a bit more old school. You can also find an amazing array of street food there.
21. Get a delicious meal 24 hours a day at Beigel Bake
Brick Lane is home to two legendary bakeries. Both Beigel Bake (my favourite!) and Beigel Shop London are 24-hour bakeries that are known for their Salt-Beef bagels.
22. Old Spitalfields Market
This newly refurbished covered market has a cool selection of gifts and clothes as well as some of London’s best food options. This market is a bit cleaner and neater than others found around the city.
23. Visit Leicester Square
Leicester Square is the central hub of London’s entertainment. For stage shows, street performers or just to take in the atmosphere, Leicester Square is the place to be.
24. Chinatown
The Chinatown area in London is a bit touristy but it still a great place to grab a bite to eat or shop for groceries that cannot be found anywhere else in the city.
25. Covent Garden
One of my favourite areas in London. Covent Garden is a great place to spend an afternoon, grab a drink and watch the world go by.
26. Piccadilly Circus
Piccadilly Circus and its neon lights is an icon of modern London.
27. Trafalgar Square
Home of the National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery, Trafalgar Square is always busy and a great place to people watch from the steps of the iconic Nelson’s Column.
28. Kensington Palace
Kensington Palace is a royal residence set in Kensington Gardens. A number of royals currently live at the palace, including Duke and Duchess of Cambridge William and Kate.
29. Imperial War Museum
The Great British Army has been involved in wars and conflicts around the world for hundreds of years. This makes the Imperial War Museum a very interesting place to visit.
30. Tate Modern
London has some incredible art galleries. Tate Modern holds the national collection of British art from 1900 to the present day and international modern and contemporary art.
31. National Gallery
Another of London’s top art galleries. The National Gallery houses a collection of over 2,300 paintings dating from the mid-13th century to 1900.
32. The British Museum
The British Museum is dedicated to human history, art and culture and has a permanent collection of over eight million works
33. Take in a Football Match
Football remains the number one sport in the U.K. Their is no shortage of clubs dotted around London and with games on every weekend, you can’t go wrong takes one of them in.
34. See the tennis at Wimbledon
The annual tennis tournament at Wimbledon is world-renowned. Getting tickets can be difficult but this event is on every tennis fans bucket list.
35. Take in a West End Show
Only New York has a better and more renowned stage show presence. All-day and night shows are taking place around London. Do your research and book your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.
36. The Royal Albert Hall
The Royal Albert Hall is the most iconic theatre in London. If you get the chance to see a show here, jump at it!
37. Relax in St. James Park
This inner-city park makes for one of the most convenient places to escape the concrete city and enjoy nature.
38. Regents Park
This Royal Park contains London Zoo and an Open Air Theatre as well as Queen’s Mary Rose Gardens. There is no shortage of activities here on a hot summers day.
39. Primrose Hill
On your visit to Regents Park, be sure to climb Primrose Hill for some amazing views of the city.
40. Kew Gardens
I always find Botanic Gardens a tranquil place to escape a city. The busier the city, the more likely I am to take a time out in these gardens. London is a very busy city and Kew Gardens makes for a great escape.
41. Highgate Cemetry
It is understandable that some people don’t consider graveyards as an ideal place to visit but there are certain ones that are a must-see. Highgate Cemetry in North London is very overgrown in places and there are over 170,000 people buried there. It makes for a very interesting visit.
42. Maltby Street Market
This hidden food market is a fantastic place to grab some street food and a drink. It is smaller than most other London markets but is no less delicious.
43. Portobello Road
This market in Notting Hill is very well known. A lot more upmarket than others, Portobello Road makes for an alternative market experience.
44. Find a gem at Alfies Antique Market
Off the beaten path and a little bit quirky. Alfies Antique Market is not for everyone but an interesting way to spend an hour or two.
45. Little Venice
London doesn’t have a canal network in the way that Amsterdam or Venice does, nor does it claim to. However, taking to the water is a great way to spend a summers afternoon.
46. Mail Rail
Built as a way of transporting mail between sorting offices, the mail rail is a great way to gather insight into one of the city’s most important operations.
47. Eat, Drink and Shop at Carnaby Street
An iconic street in London’s Soho area. Carnaby Street, which really comes alive after dark is lined with designed outlets, bars and some of London’s best restaurants.
48. Notting Hill
An upmarket area of London made famous from the 1999 movie starring Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts. Notting Hill is colourful, pretty and very different from the rest of London.
49. Abbey Road Studios
Quite possibly the most famous recording studio in the world. This recording studio was made famous from the Beatles and is where they recorded their Abbey Road album as well as being pictured for the cover on the zebra crossing outside.
50. Take a day trip to Hampton Court Palace
Considered a day trip in London without having to actually go too far, Hampton Court Palace is a royal residence built for King Henry VIII. The palace and its gardens are huge but definitely worth the visit should you have the time. It will take the best part of a day to visit and see in its entirety.
Welcome back Adam.
London is on my list too since quite a while, think will speed up a little in this direction, great read, amazing place!!