Things to do in London: top sights, neighbourhoods and practical tips
Quick answer
The essentials of London are the Tower of London with the Crown Jewels, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, the British Museum, the National Gallery and the Thames. Two days covers the highlights; with one day, focus on Westminster and the South Bank. The big national museums are free.
Hours and prices checked on
More London guides
- London in one dayA one-day London walking route: Westminster, Big Ben, St James's Park, Trafalgar Square, the South Bank and the Tower of London, with times and tips.
- London in 2 daysA 2-day London itinerary: day 1 Westminster, Trafalgar Square and the South Bank; day 2 British Museum, Tower of London and Tower Bridge. Times and tips.
Point your camera at any artwork
Try it free in London
AnyArt recognizes paintings, sculptures and monuments and tells you their story in seconds, like a personal audio guide. Free for iPhone, iPad and Android.
London's must-sees
London is huge, but the essentials line up along the Thames. Pick by area to save time on the Tube.
- 1
Westminster station
Westminster: Big Ben, Parliament and the Abbey
The Palace of Westminster with the Big Ben clock tower, the Abbey where monarchs are crowned and Parliament Square form the political heart of the country. The Abbey is paid and closed to visitors on Sundays.
- 2
Tower Hill station
Tower of London and Tower Bridge
A fortress over 900 years old that holds the Crown Jewels. The Yeoman Warder (Beefeater) tour is included. Book online and arrive at opening to see the Jewels without a long wait.
- 3
Great Russell Street · Bloomsbury
British Museum
The Rosetta Stone, the Parthenon marbles, Egyptian mummies. Free entry. It's huge: pick 3 or 4 galleries.
- 4
Trafalgar Square
National Gallery and Trafalgar Square
Van Gogh's Sunflowers, Leonardo, Turner and Constable in a free museum beside Nelson's Column.
- 5
South bank of the Thames
South Bank, Tate Modern and the Globe
A riverside walk from the London Eye to the Millennium Bridge, with Tate Modern (free collection) and Shakespeare's Globe.
- 6
Ludgate Hill
St Paul's Cathedral
Christopher Wren's dome dominates the City. Entry is paid and includes the climb to the Whispering Gallery and the outer galleries.
Neighbourhoods to explore
- Covent Garden and Soho: theatres, markets and nightlife in the heart of the centre.
- South Kensington: three free museums (Natural History, Science and V&A) within minutes of each other.
- Notting Hill: pastel houses and Portobello Market on Saturdays.
- Shoreditch: street art, cafés and markets in the east.
- Greenwich: the observatory, the Prime Meridian and skyline views from the park.
Museums and art
London has one of the best free-museum scenes in the world. The National Gallery and the British Museum are near-essentials; Tate Modern adds contemporary art. To identify any painting or sculpture without hunting for the label, point the AnyArt camera at it and hear its story.
Tickets, transport and when to go
- Buy the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey on their official sites to avoid mark-ups.
- Pay for transport with contactless: a daily cap applies automatically.
- Free museums accept donations; some special exhibitions are ticketed.
- Bring an umbrella: rain is on and off all year.
- On Sundays Westminster Abbey is not open to sightseers.
- The Changing of the Guard is not daily; check the official schedule before you go.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in London?
Two days cover the essentials: one for Westminster and the South Bank, another for the Tower of London and the museums. With three or four days you can add Greenwich, Kew Gardens or a trip to Windsor.
Which London museums are free?
The British Museum, National Gallery, Tate Modern (permanent collection), V&A, Natural History Museum and Science Museum are all free. Special exhibitions are usually ticketed.
How much does the Tower of London cost?
It is paid and the fee changes often; adult admission is around £37 on the Historic Royal Palaces site. Children pay less. Confirm the price before booking.
Can you visit Westminster Abbey on a Sunday?
Not as a tourist: Sundays are for worship. You can attend a service for free but you can't tour the Abbey.
How do you get around London?
By Tube, bus and rail using a contactless bank card or an Oyster card. The centre is very walkable.