One of the most visited cities in the world, and with good reason, is London. The capital of the United Kingdom is a favourite destination for travellers from all over the world. Its mix of history, cultures and unique monuments make it a must-visit destination. If you want to discover things to do in London, we bring you the stops you shouldn’t miss, as well as some charming neighbourhoods you can’t miss.
From Big Ben to Camden Town, Buckingham Palace to the London Eye, London will captivate you with its frenetic pace, its incredible history and its plans. Let’s get started!
Things to do in London: The essentials
If you are looking for things to do in London, it is a city that offers plans and options 365 days a year. A cosmopolitan and huge city that leaves no one indifferent. But although getting lost in its streets and neighbourhoods is the best plan, we bring you the monuments and places you shouldn’t miss on your visit to the city.
Must-see places
Westminster Abbey
The most imposing and important religious temple in the whole city. Built in the 11th century, it is the greatest exponent of English Gothic architecture. Its unmistakable style is full of details that will not leave you indifferent.
Although some of its greatest attractions are the monarchical ceremonies held throughout history, such as the coronations of English monarchs, or the tombs and memorials of great historical figures, such as Charles Dickens and Isaac Newton. Princess Diana’s funeral was also held here, and inside you will find unique sculptures. A must-see when searching things to do in London.
A walk through the history and art of the country, and a sample of the union between Monarchy and Church. To access the inside you need to buy a ticket, but we leave you here the link so you don’t miss it😉
Palace of Westminster & Big Ben
Another of the “big guys” of the city, an obligatory stop next to the Abbey. What started out as the Royal Palace in the Middle Ages, has ended up being the House of Parliament, the place where the most important political decisions of the country are made. Built in the 11th century, it suffered a great fire in the 19th century that forced it to be rebuilt as we know it today.
The building is home to the biggest icon to see in London: Big Ben. The famous Clock Tower was built after the fire, and is a symbol of English punctuality and of the city itself. One of the things to do in London and prove you’ve been to the city, is to take a photo with this icon. Furthermore, if you want to visit the inside of the Houses of Parliament, here’s a link to the tickets.
St. Paul’s Cathedral (St. Paul)
An icon born from another icon. Well, let us explain what we mean. This Cathedral was built in the 17th century, after the great fire of the city. Founded on the site of an old church, this cathedral to see in London is designed in the image and likeness of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, the cradle of Christianity.
One of its distinctive features is the enormous dome, visible from many points in the city, which offers the best panoramic views of London to those brave enough to climb its 500 steps. But apart from the dome, the whole Cathedral is a unique ensemble, created by Christopher Wren, a physicist and architect in charge of rebuilding much of the city after the Great Fire.
Like the Abbey, the Cathedral was the site of important ceremonies, such as the funeral of Winston Churchill and the wedding of the Prince and Princess of Wales, Charles and Ladi Di.
Buckingham Palace
It was the official residence of the British monarchy in London, at least until the pandemic. Since then, the building is no longer inhabited by royals, although it remains one of the city’s most prominent landmarks. Its famous changing of the guard is one of the most popular things to do in London.
The famous changing of the royal guard takes place on several days of the week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday), except for June and July when it becomes a daily event. It is a simultaneous process with St. James’s Palace and Wellington Barracks. At this ceremony, the guards who finish their shifts are replaced by new detachments, accompanied by the brass band, who perform songs of all kinds, even commercials!
It’s one of London’s must-see moments. So come prepared in good time and enjoy a truly special event!
If you want to discover London in a simple and fun way, the DareMapp app offers a complete tour of the city. It includes routes, recommendations, leisure plans and excursions… All in one place, all in one app! We leave you here the access button to unlock the full experience.
London Eye
The London skyline is clearly dominated by this huge Ferris wheel. A celebration of the new millennium, which, like the Eiffel Tower in its day, became permanent.
In the year 2000, this architectural jewel designed by Julia Barfield & David Marks was unveiled, a Ferris wheel conceived as the largest in the world at the time. It was so successful that, although it was scheduled to be dismantled in 2005, it was granted permission for a permanent licence as early as 2002. Moreover, its cantilevered design (it is only supported from one side) has made it a unique example.
It is the most Pay-for-visit monument in the UK, and offers the best panoramic views of London and the surrounding area. Enjoy one of the best things to do in London, the banks of the Thames, and one of the jewels that most people have fallen in love with.
The Tower of London
The history of London has always been linked to this medieval castle. And you should not be surprised by the uses of the enclosure: from prison to arsenal or royal zoo, the walls of the fortress have lived through many turbulent times, as well as the famous Great Fire of the city.
Today, it is a must-see to discover the Crown Jewels, some of the most valuable antiquities of the British monarchy, as well as the complete tour that takes you through its different stages. Oh, and discover the legend of the ravens that inhabit the Castle.
Visiting the Tower of London and Tower Bridge is one of the things to do in London. If you want to discover the Tower of London, we leave you here the link to the tickets so you can buy them before your visit.
Tower Bridge
The most famous bridge in the city, and one of the most recognisable things to do in London. Built in the neo-Gothic style in the late 19th century, its structure with two main towers, linked by an upper walkway and a tilting surface, forms a unique ensemble.
The upper walkways have a large glass floor that allows you to see the traffic below, as well as housing the Bridge Museum next to the two towers. Discover a work of engineering and one of the icons of the city of London.
British Museum
One of London’s and the UK’s proudest landmarks is the British Museum, a step through the history of mankind. From the famous Rosetta Stone that allowed hieroglyphics to be deciphered, to the remains of the Pantheon of Athens or the beginnings of Anglo-Saxon culture.
Best of all: admission is FREE. We recommend you buy your tickets in advance from their website and discover our history or some of the most important moments of humanity and one of the best things to do in London.
Trafalgar Square
The most famous things to do in London. This square could not be missing in the compilation. Dominated by Nelson’s Column, with the National Gallery at the background, this London icon is one of the nerve centres of the city. From public events to Christmas celebrations or street markets, every time of year is a good time to visit.
Hyde Park
An oasis across the hustle and bustle of the city. As one of London’s largest parks, you can take a break from the hustle and bustle and enjoy some things to do in London, such as the British Summer Time (featuring international artists) in the summer and Winter Wonderland, an amusement park that will take you back to your childhood at Christmastime.
Piccadilly Circus
The real urban heart, a great stops if searching things to do in London. Piccadilly Circus is famous for its huge advertising screens and lively atmosphere. Some of the city’s main thoroughfares, such as Regent Street and Shaftesbury Avenue, converge here, making it a meeting point for locals and tourists alike. In addition, the famous statue of Eros has become a symbol of the neighbourhood. From here, you have direct access to the West End, ideal for those looking for a cultural and entertaining experience – a must on any list of things to do in London!
The other side of London: London’s best-known neighbourhoods
Another activity if searching things to do in London is to walk through its streets, from the most central part of the city to some of the best known and liveliest neighbourhoods. So we offer some alternatives away from conventional tourism that will allow you to discover unique corners and flavours.
Camden Town, the alternative neighbourhood
Creativity, music and gastronomic culture come together in one of the most alternative things to do in London. The famous Camden Market allows you to buy vintage clothes, antiques and multicultural cuisine. Plus, if you’re a music lover, you’ll find some unique vinyl, as well as the underground culture that surrounds its streets and venues, where some legendary bands began their careers. The energy of one of the most funny things to do in London, so let yourself get lost in its streets & enjoy the gastronomy, cause you won’t regret it.
Soho, for plan-lovers
Soho is the ideal neighbourhood if you’re looking for nightlife, food innovation and a special atmosphere. It is the heart of London’s LGBTQ community and has some of the city’s most iconic pubs and clubs. A stroll down Carnaby Street is also a must for fashionistas. It’s definitely a must-do when you’re searching things to do in London or looking for a night out.
Notting Hill, home of the bohemians
The casual and vintage spirit, made into a neighbourhood. Its colourful houses, antique shops and the famous Portobello Road Market mark the culture of this special place, a must stop on the things to do in London. You shouldn´t miss the street carnival that takes place in its streets, an unique festival that has gained importance over the years to become the largest in Europe.
Covent Garden
The traditional markets make up one of the capital’s greatest hallmarks, and this one is no exception. From luxury boutiques to street performances and a vibrant atmosphere to the most vibrant food. One of the most important things to do in London, so make a note to get lost on your visit to the city.
South Bank, the bank of the Thames
One of the best things to do in London is a walk along the banks of the river that runs through it. South Bank is one of the most visited districts for its monuments, such as the London Eye and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. A perfect sample of culture, sights and atmosphere to see in London.
We hope this brief guide to what to see in London will help you plan your next visit to the capital. But if you want to complete your experience, in the DareMapp app you can purchase the complete tour of the city. It includes routes, recommendations, excursions, nightlife plans… Everything you have to see in London, IN ONE APP.
Remember that with DareMapp you can take a multitude of interactive guided tours, including many of these “Spain’s most famous routes”, a fun tour of the main destinations.
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