The 18 things to do in London

Visit London: what are the best things to do and to see in the city that is surnamed the “world city”?

Ranked in the top 5 of the world's most visited cities for years, London is to discover and rediscover without hesitation and especially without moderation! If you go to London, every day will be different, be sure. So close and yet so disappointing, London gathers all the essential ingredients for an unforgettable stay. The diversity of its monuments, neighbourhoods and activities, but also its incredible blend of culture, makes it a unique and fascinating destination.

This royal city, cosmopolitan and eccentric, is only waiting for you. Are you wondering what to do in London? They tell you everything here!

1. Big Ben and the Palais de Westminster

Big Ben is in London what the Eiffel Tower is to Paris : the iconic symbol of the city! So if you're looking for what to do in London, no doubt, come and admire this impressive clock of over 100 meters high, in the continuity of the magnificent Westminster Palace, also called Houses of Parliament.

2. The guard's rotation at Buckingham Palace

If there’s something unique to be missed if you’re visiting London, it’s guard’s rotation. Admire the guards to the red uniforms finish their service, and hand over to the new guard, on military musical airs. It takes place every day between May and July, then every two days, at 11am, in front of Buckingham Palace, which you can visit in the wake.

3. Museums

In total, London has no less than 240 museums. That is to say if there is a choice! And the little more is that many of them are free. The hardest thing is to make a choice.

Among the most famous and unmissable museums in London, you will find:

• The British Museum, certainly the most popular of the city, or the National Gallery, which has 2,300 paintings.
• You're more trendy contemporary art? So don't miss it Tate Modern, a real modern art pedestal spread over 7 floors, the fabulous Saatchi Gallery or the Design Museum.
• The Natural History Museum and the Science Museum are not far from each other in the South Kensington area. Their visit is ideal for a family day.
• To take a photo with the most beautiful wax replicas of the royal family, Daniel Craig or Ed Sheeran, it is at the Madame Tussaud Museum that it is happening.

The list is still long: London Transport Museum, the Imperial War Museum, the National Maritime Museum, the Victoria & Albert Museum, among so many others! In addition, most museums are included in London Pass .

4. Picadilly Circus

It’s kind of the Times Square London. It is impossible to pass next to this animated and colored square by giant advertising screens, active 24/7. She's probably more impressive at nightfall.

5. The London Tower Bridge

London's second symbolic monument: the London Tower Bridge. This rock bridge is the most sophisticated in the world. It is recognizable by its two huge gothic style towers and its blue color frames. It is possible to visit it, but to cross it, or admire it from the Thames at nightfall will be enough to marvel at you.

6. Panoramic bus with multiple stops

You don’t have much time to visit London? So the multi-stop panoramic bus (hop-on hop-off) is an ideal way to discover London's iconic sites. Thanks to your ticket, you will be able to cross London on a 2-storey panoramic bus (if beautiful, the roof of the bus is obviously the most pleasant). An audio guide will allow you to listen to the history of the city and its monuments as you travel.

Do you want to visit a monument or take a picture? You only have to get off the bus, and take the next one when you’re done. Of course, it is very “tourist”, but it is so practical that we will not deprive ourselves of it!

7. Tower of London (London Tower)

Are you still wondering what to do in London? Inscribed to the UNESCO heritage, the Tower of London is a fortress full of history. Turn around royal residence, prison and place of execution, it is today a magnificent museum. Its visit immerses you in medieval times and allows you to admire the jewels of the crown.

8. Westminster Abbey

Here again, it is an emblem of the city. A true symbol of the British monarchy, it is here that all the important sacraments take place: marriages, coronation or national funeral. The Abbey of Westminster is a splendid building, to admire from the outside or to visit.

9. Parks

If you are looking for what to do in London, know that it is one of the most parks in the world. Among them, Hyde Park (the largest), Saint James Park (in front of the Palace), Regent’s Park (and its zoo), Greenwich Park (with a view of the Thames), and many more! What to take a real breath of fresh air in the heart of the city.

10. The London Eye

Take height by climbing in a London Eye capsule, Europe’s largest wheel. It is located on the banks of the Thames, close to Big Ben. For 30 minutes you can admire London from a different angle, and probably the most impressive.

11. Street Art

London is also known for its incredible Street-art. If you're an amateur, you'll be served! Head to Camden, Camden, Shoreditch , Bethnal Green or Bricklane to admire the most popular works of the city.

12. Covent Garden

It is a very pleasant place where it makes good to stroll if you are going to visit London. You can admire the many street shows, while enjoying a delicious cake from Lola’s Cupcake. His famous glasshouse, which makes all the charm of the place, once housed the halls of London. Today there are many small boutique shops, restaurants, and also the transport museum, the London Transport Museum.

13. Camden Town

Located in the north of the city, this very lively neighborhood is a unique attraction to make in London. Connected, debridled, eccentric, colored, here all genres and all cultures are mixed. Take a tour of the Camden Lock Market to discover a vintage piece, admire the facades of the shops that are completely dismantled, stroll along the Regent’s Canal while enjoying an exotic dish to take away that you have had trouble choosing so much of the choice.

14. Culinary specialties

So yes, we hear it, England has no excellent reputation on the gastronomy side... However, there are tasteful specialties to not miss if you come to visit London:

• The incontournable fish & chips,
• The hornish pasty, chopped beef peat, potatoes, onions and rutabaga,
• The Bangers and mash, our “pure sausage” with onion sauce,
• jelly (frozen), available in several tastes and colors,
• Traditional English Breakfast to properly attack the day,The pudding, hot fruit cake with English cream,
• ♪ scones, breads served with tea,
• The stewor the English version.

The mix of the city-specific cultures will also allow you to taste easily all the kitchens of the world: Chinese, Japanese, Pakistani, Indian or Jamaican.

15. The Harry Potter studios

For many of us, London recalls some mythical scenes of the saga adapted to J.K Rowling’s novel. We all remember the fly of the Thames in the Balinese, with Parliament in the background. Well know, dear Potterheads, that you can visit the movie studios. You will discover the most mythical pieces, such as the Albus Dumbledore office.

16. Kensington

Here’s one if it’s the most beautiful neighborhood in the city. To visit London without visiting Kensington, it is to miss one of the charming assets of the capital. You will see among the most beautiful buildings in British architecture. But the neighborhood is more often known for its large number of green spaces. It is also this detail that makes the borough, one of the most courteous of the Londoners.

Cultural level, the place is not the rest. Many museums live in Kensington. This is the case for the Victoria & Albert Museum. You can also admire the Royal Albert Hall, a place of classical music. In addition, take a look at the different markets before having a good English meal at West Eleven.

The nail of the show will arrive during the visit of Kensington Palace one of the most beautiful royal residences. It was even the main residence of the royal family until the 17th century.

17. Soho

Soho is the cosmopolitan district par excellence. Here, there are more than a hundred different nationalities. The largest community in Soho is the Asian community, as the neighborhood houses the London Chinatown.

But Soho is also a privileged place in the LGBT community, which comes to go out in the evening, in bars or nightclubs. Do not miss the outdoor markets and pubs, which contribute to the liveliness of the neighbourhood.

18. Spitafields Market

As we talk about markets, let’s discover the essential market in London. Spitafields Market is a covered market located north of downtown. The speciality of the market is antiques, where the offer is incommensurable and interesting prices.

After chasing around the different sellers, give a tea break in one of the market’s tea lounges. References.

To see and do also in London

There's so much to see and do in London! Here is a list of some other places and activities not to be missed:

• The key ceremony at the Tower of London,
• The parade of the Horse Guard,
• Notting Hill,
• The Sky Garden,
• Borough Market,
• The Cathedral of Saint Paul,
• Harrods,
• Cruise on the Thames,
• Make a crawl pub.

How to get to London?

Are you visiting London and wondering how to get there? By train, by car, by ferry, or by plane, choose your means of transport depending on your city of departure and yours budget . The fastest and often cheapest remains the aircraft , thanks to low-cost companies that offer daily flights at unbeatable prices. To help you find the best prices, use a flight comparison, like Ulysses , you will be of great help.

Whatever your location (and there is a choice: 4 airports, 1 train station) it will be very easy to reach the city centre thanks to express trains, the metro or the bus. And for a moment so british , offer a race in Black Cab, London's famous taxis (to be preferred for a short ride because quite expensive).

Where to stay in London?

If you choose to visit London, it is essential to choose where to stay. Be aware that the offer of accommodation in London is not very cheap. ♪ Airbnb are very popular and can be practical and advantageous.

Do you prefer the hotel? In London, you will find a hotel that matches you. Nevertheless, the list will be long! So you can find the best prices by doing a search on a Compare hotels online. The tool will take your criteria and budget range into account.

Now you’re ready! Have a good trip!