This week we’ve scoured the amazing world wide web, gotten help from our fellow traveling friends and put out a call to other travel writers to bring you their very best things to do, see and eat in London, England.
We hope this roundup of tips and tricks will give you some helpful hints and inspire you to travel to one of the world’s true great cities, London, UK.
Top London Tips
Top 10 tips for your first trip to London
London is a big, busy city, and it’s easy to be overwhelmed by all there is to do and see in your first visit. Ceri at A Luxury Travel Blog gives some great tips for first timers to the city.
12 Tips for Navigating the London Underground
The maze of lines and connections in London’s famous Tube system can be overwhelming. Bucket List Journey writer Annette has some great tips for navigating the underground, including tips for using the Oyster Card and the Smart Card.
London’s main attractions are surprisingly walkable. We like the Kamino app, which will GPS guide you on hikes through the city designed by other travelers. You can take a funky Camden walking tour, a walking tour of literary London or even a quintessential London pub crawl.
Let’s face it: London can be busy. From picnics in the park, to village shopping and swimming in lidos and ponds, Dave and Deb at ThePlanetD have some great suggestions for getting away from the crowds.
Look like too much work?
If you’re looking for a fun tour that will help you navigate London, check out Viator, which offers a plenty of highly rated and popular tours. You can even opt for small group or private tours.
See prices and tour details on Viator now.
London: 60 Things to See and Do
London’s a great big place, and it’s easy to miss some of it’s best attractions if you stick just with the guidebooks. Jen, The Trusted Traveler has come up with a pretty comprehensive list here of London’s 60 best that should be enough to satisfy any overplanner.
View from the London Eye by Tom Thai
Budget
Even though London can be one of Europe’s most expensive cities, there are still a lot of great free things to do in the city. Michael from Changes in Longitude dishes on hidden freebies like the Evensong services at Westminster Abbey, and even crossing Abbey Road for Beatles Fans. Don’t forget to check out National Army Museum, the Royal Air Force Museum and the Wallace Collection. Victoria and Albert museum in the Borough of Kensington and Chelsea area of London is also highly recommended. All are free.
5 Places to See the London Skyline – For Free!
With a ride on the London Eye costing a whopping 20.95 £, it may just pay to take Alyssa from Alyssa Writes advice and find a cheaper place to see the London skyline. Her top picks include Alexandra Palace, Parliament Hill Hampstead Heath, and Greenwich Park in South-East London from the Royal Observatory.
You can save money in London by taking free guided city walks, traveling on the train and getting 2 for 1 entry to many attractions. Lucy at On the Luce also recommends picking up an Oyster card for the Tube.
Things to do in London on a budget
London is almost as famous for being expensive as it is for iconic landmarks like Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London. Talon from 1dad1kid.com has tips ranging from food to ways to save on transit and admission prices.
How I Had a 10 Day London Vacation for $700
It’s an oldie for sure (written in 2011), but this post from Nomadic Matt is packed with tips, including some travel hacking advice, that can still save you good money in this pricey city.
Free Attractions on a London Stopover
The London Underground makes a quick, efficient way to check out some of London’s biggest attractions. Planned correctly, Allan at Live Less Ordinary says you can take in the Houses of Parliament, Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens and Trafalgar Square and more on a budget, and quickly as well.
Off the Beaten Track – Quirky London
Looking for more? Check out our top quirky and unusual things to do in London post!
Architecture of London streets by Panorama Streetline
If you’re an architecture buff, you’ll get a kick out of Jörg Rom’s images of the streets of London, including Camden Market, Picadilly and Portabello Road.
London ghosts, the Burial Spot of Benedict Arnold
You’ll find the remains of Benedict Arnold, the most notorious traitor of the American Revolution just a stone’s throw from the murky River Thames. Michael at Changes in Longitude has even more for you if you’re in the mood for more Americana; check out The Benjamin Franklin House in London, where Franklin lived for nearly 16 years.
Looking to channel your inner Sherlock Holmes (or James Bond). Sarah and her kids from Family Travel Times dishes on the closest thing you may be able to find in modern London: ClueQuest. Cluequest lets you play secret agent for a few hours, as you use your deductive skills to make your way out of a series of locked room, using a series of clues.
East London Street Art & Graffiti – An Alternative London Attraction
If you’re looking for an alternative look at London, check out the East London Street Art scene. Amar from Gap Year Escape even has suggestions for a few places that you can buy graffiti art on Canvas in East London.
Subterranean London – five unmissable sights below the city
While most of London’s most famous sights are firmly above ground, there’s a whole secret world hiding beneath the city streets. Caz at yTravelBlog shares London’s subterranean secrets, including the Cabinet War Rooms, Chislehurst Caves and the London Tombs.
Rabbit by Belgian street artist Roa by Leigh Harries
The Best Eats and Pubs in London
Drink Pints & Eat English Mushy Peas at the Princess of Wales Pub
London is packed with great pubs that are perfect for grabbing the quintessential British pint. Annette from Bucket List Journey gives two thumbs up to the brew, but isn’t so keen on the mushy peas at the Princess of Wales Pub in Charing Cross.
Searching for the Elusive Grenadier Pub in London
If you’re looking for a bit of history with your pub food, The Grenadier, is a well-preserved pub that lets you experience what London used to be like. Liz at Travelogged says it’s a bit on the small side, and rumored to be haunted.
The Highlight Of Vegetarian Cuisine In London – tibits
Vegetarians in London are in luck; with an ever growing range of vegetarian and vegan restaurants. Dale and Franca at Angloitalian dish on some of their favorites at tibits in London, where you can load up on a buffet that offers vegetarian, vegan and even gluten free options.
The London Cookbook: Recipes from the Restaurants, Cafes, and Hole-in-the-Wall Gems of a Modern City
British Food Souvenirs from the Supermarket (Tesco Editon)
This may not be the first place you’d look for a souvenir, but your local London supermarket is probably full of great London eats to take back home. Kristin of Souvenir Finder suggests Branston Original Pickle, piccalilli, beef-flavored or prawn cocktail crisps, and British rhubarb in a can.
A Taste Explosion At London’s Borough Market
Set inside an Art Deco building, Angloitalian says that Borough Market has something for everyone, from traditional English pastries to international favorites, curries, and fresh veggies and fruits.
If you’re looking for somewhere upscale to eat in London, Carmen from Double-Barrelled Travel dishes on Dinner by Heston in Knightsbridge that offers up food based on old English cuisine.
London Borough Market by Garry Knight
Where to Stay in London
An Affordable Design Hostel In London – Generator Hostel
Newly redecorated, Dale and Franca at Angloitalian dish on this hostel that mixes affordable prices with funky decor that even incorporates Willy Wonka, Mary Poppins, Ali G, James Bond and Austin Powers.
Quirky, fun and eco-friendly QBIC
Like any big city, accommodation in London can be pricey and hard to find. Erin from Travel with Bender dishes on her stay at Qbic London, a newly renovated option that proves that quirky, eco-friendly hotels can leave a good lasting impression.
Given that London’s accommodation options can be pricey, especially for couples and families, getting an apartment rental through a site like Airbnb can be a great option. Dave and Deb at The Planet D found out how great it was and give a nice rundown on things to look for when renting a place. Not only that, but if you sign up using this link, you can get $20 USD in Airbnb credits the first time you use them.
Sign up here to get $20 USD in Airbnb credits now.
Apartment rentals can be a great alternative to hotels and hostels. You can get more space and privacy than at a hotel, and even have a kitchen to save a bit of cash on eating out. You can even get a great apartment in downtown and pay a lot less than a similar hotel.
Tip: If you’re looking at splurging in a more upscale hotel, check out Hotels Combined. They compare over 50 major hotel sites so you don’t have to do the work. It’s fast, has a huge inventory, and I’ve found it to be very reliable.
Click here to search hotels now.
Tower Bridge & Skyline by Jim Trodel
What to See and Do in London
Attend a Proper British Afternoon Tea in London
It doesn’t get much more quintessentially English than attending a proper British afternoon tea. Annette of Bucket List Journey dishes on proper tea time etiquette.
Photos of London at Night: A Walk Along the Thames
A walk along the Thames is the perfect chance to take in some of London’s most iconic sights, including Big Ben, Westminster Bridge, Millennium Bridge and the London Eye. Kellie of Destination Unknown, an expat who has lived there nearly 15 years and now calls the place home, dishes on her favorite sights along this famous river.
My Favourite Place in London – The Royal Botanic Gardens Kew
The Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, just on the outskirts of London, make a fantastic break from the business of London. Jen at The Trusted Traveller says to just take the Tube on the District Line or the Overground, and enjoy the peace and quiet.
The London Eye, a giant ferris wheel, is one of London’s most iconic landmarks. Not only does it offer one of the best views of London and the River Thames, but Annette of Bucket List Journey notes that you can catch glimpses of the Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Hyde Park, Alexandra Palace, Hampton Court and many other landmarks.
The Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace
It’s probably one of London’s most iconic sights, with crowds to match. Annette at Bucket List Journey shares some great photos, and a rarely seen look at an Irish guard escorting his Irish Wolfhound.
Tourist Tips for attending a Barclays Premier League Football Match
If you’re a football (or soccer, as we say in Canada and the USA) fan, then London is a fantastic place to get your game on. It’s a great way to get a deeper feel for the English culture, as their love of the game is legendary. Kristin at Souvenir Finder gives us the highlights.
Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace by Gabriel Villena
London with Kids
Like most European cities, London is surprisingly walkable, making it a great destination with little ones. Kids will love the Changing of the Guard and the Royal Parks of London, and Jen of The Vacation Gals suggests taking kids to see the Millennium Bridge (which was destroyed by Death Eaters in the last Harry Potter movie).
Experience the Magic of Harry Potter at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London
If your kids are huge Harry Potter fans like ours (Cole’s Halloween costume for two years in a row), they’ll love tour of the former Leavesden Studios, located outside London. The Leavesden Studios were the production home for all eight Harry Potter movies, so you’ll be seeing a lot of the authentic props and sets used in the film. Lisa from Gone With the Family dishes on walking through the Great Hall (with tables set for dinner), as well as the Gryffindor House Common Room, and costumes and props used in the movie.
Want to see some of London in the USA? Check out our post for great tips for visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Florida.
Mission London: A Scavenger Hunt Adventure (Travel Book For Kids)
Canadian Traveller has some fun, quirky, and even healthy picks for eating out with the kids. We’re itching to check out the rock and role vibe at Sticky Fingers, founded by Rolling Stones’ bass player Bill Wyman, and rosemary chips at Honest Burgers in Soho.
Hop On Hop Off In London With Kids
If you’re touring London with little ones, Alan of Wagoner’s Abroad suggests a hop on, hop off bus tour as a great choice. Open-top buses give you a great view of London’s neighborhood, and you can get off and on at some of London’s biggest sights.
The 15 Best Things To Do with Kids in London
London with kids is a lot easier when you’re armed with the basics about where to go, when the attractions are open, and what will interest kids most. David from My Little Nomads has a great list here, ranging from the predictable Royal Air Force Museum to the less likely National Portrait Gallery.
Millennium Bridge by Garry Knight
Look like too much work?
If you’re looking for a tour that will help you navigate London, Viator offers a plenty of highly rated and popular tours.
You can even opt for small group or private tours.
See prices and tour details on Viator now.
More Information About London
These guides should give you a helpful overview of London.
A Londoner’s Life – How to Travel in London like a Local (London England Travel Guide Book)
Lonely Planet London (Travel Guide)
Photo of Big Ben by Grand Parc – Bordeaux, France.
Have you visited London? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
Thanks for including my post! London is such a great place to visit. Can’t wait to go back!
Wow, this is a monster of a post. We may have gone local in Gran Canaria but we’ll always be a London native. It’s our city. However, we hadn’t heard of Chislehurst Caves, despite the fact we used to play football in “glorious Chis” as our captain coined it. We can, however, confirm that The Grenadier is well worth searching for and that you should never, as in never ever, eat mushy peas in a location other than a fish-and-chip shop.
Thanks for including my post. Wow, I’ve lived here for the past 15 years but it looks like there are still some things for me to explore via this post!
Never a dull moment in London 🙂
I absolutely love this post. It is exactly what we needed prior to going to London, but it wasn’t written yet! 🙂 Thanks for including us and we can’t wait to return and use your references.
Wow, what an expansive guide and perfect timing since I will be there in Oct, will have to bookmark this excellent list of articles, thanks for sharing these.
Wow! You really have everything covered in this guide! I wil keep it bookmarke for when I finally make i to London!
Wow! You really have everything covered in this guide! I will keep it bookmarkd for when I finally make it to London!
What an excellent resource! I’d also recommend DK’s eyewitness guide london 2014 – i just reviewed it and was very impressed.
That’s one massive post! The information here is as useful for people who were born and live in London, as well as visitors from overseas. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for putting together such a comprehensive London list of activities. It’s great to have such a big city be so walkable.
Thanks for including my posts Micki. I’ve spend a lot of time in London and thought I had seen and done a lot, but now after browsing through these posts in your round up I’ve found a ton of reasons to go back.
Great round-up of posts, I’ll have to have a read through because I’m sure I’ll find lots of stuff that I haven’t done but would like to do! Thanks for including me, Micki. :)r
What a wonderfully comprehensive list of things to do in London. We did many of them when we were last there. It is my teen’s favorite city.
SO much great info here! I lived in London for a year and have been back a handful of times always making East London my second home, just love the vibe and definitely recommend the street art!
Amazing list. Very impressive. I keep a site on alternative London and I would recommend a lot of these.
A fantastic post and great resource of things to do in London, plus we can’t thank you enough for including our articles too. We hope that someone enjoys our recommendations!
Hello, So much to read, so much to do! We love London and visit regularly (my sister lives there). I thought we knew our way around; however according to your amazing post we have just scratched the surface. I am even sending this to my sister – even a local loves new places to go. I look forward to reading more posts. Cheers Monique
We recommend just going out and exploring the city. The subway/bus system is really good in London. We use to just go to a subway stop, just off and walk around for a few hours. There is soooooo much to see in this huge city that you will never get board.
Great guide, especially the Veggie places to eat, will come in very handy!
I recommend also the french bistrot in Dover Street which is absolutely stunning!
wow what a great list! I think I might just throw my guidebook out of the window and replace it with this blogpost 😉
Hello Micki, my most sincere congratulations for this guide! It’s pretty useful, even for a London usual visitor like me! What a city you chose to talk about, must have been easy to write but also hard to summarize the main ideas, but you did it really fine 🙂
This reminds me of Sherlock. lol.
Thank you for the list. This article is amazing. Thanks, Micki!
This has become an immense list of London Tips! Thanks for sharing all these infos and thanks for including our London Architecture Panoramas amongst them!
Great material, great read. Now I am well informed and I hear London calling for me again.
Very beautiful. Thank you for sharing the article. Hope to hear more from you.