The Open Road Travel

Narrowing down the 10 best things to do in London is an incredibly challenging proposition. As one of the largest cities in the world, there is simply so much to do and see.

That can pose an issue for tourists, especially those with limited time, as they may not know which things they should prioritise during their stay.

That’s why we’ve created the following guide, which features what we believe to be the best things to do in London, based on how iconic each activity is, as well as how much value it offers for your time.

So, if you are planning to visit London but aren’t sure exactly what to do and see yet, this is the article for you.

London is the capital and largest city in both England and the United Kingdom. It is also among the largest and most populous cities in the world.

Having first been settled over 2000 years ago, London is a city filled with a rich and vibrant history. Visitors will discover buildings and landmarks from all the different eras of the city’s existence, painting an incredible picture of the evolution of human style and design.

One of the major financial capitals of the world, it is well-known for its incredible collection of galleries, museums, parks, landmarks, theatres, and institutes of higher education.

Synonymous with things like the British Royal Family, sports, entertainment, shopping, leisure, and history, London is a global city that is among the most visited locations on Earth.

Those seeking the best time to visit London will want to consider the period from late May to early September.

That is because London is a city well known to feature wet, rainy periods throughout the year. The time I have suggested should give you the best combination of dry weather and warm temperatures, to ensure maximum enjoyment throughout your stay.

As we move to our list of the 10 best things to do in London, I am going to suggest a broad range of options.

These will include things to appeal to travellers of all different interests, while ensuring you have something to cover everything that London is known for.

The River Thames is the longest river in England and second longest in the United Kingdom, running for 346 kilometres (215 miles). Weaving through the centre of London, it is an iconic body of water and features many of the most famous landmarks in the city along its banks.

Taking a boat ride up the River Thames is a great way to maximise the number of things you see during your stay, as well as allowing you to relax and soak it all in away from the crowds.

There are also a number of options for how you go about your watery experience, most of which boast well-informed tour guides to educate you on everything you are seeing.

You could hop aboard a large ship and cruise down the river at a relaxing pace. Maybe jump on a speed boat and tear down the river with the wind in your face, listening to the James Bond theme tune as you pass MI6.

Those who want an even more expansive trip can take a tour on a duck boat, a vehicle which is a combination of a boat and a truck that enters and exits the river on multiple occasions during your trip. This allows you to see the sights both in the water and on land.

You even have the option of privately renting a smaller vessel and sailing the river at your own pace, for a truly personal and unique experience.

However you choose to go about cruising the River Thames, it is a wonderful experience that everyone should get to enjoy when they visit London.

It's impossible to think of London, England, or the United Kingdom without the royal family crossing your mind. Perhaps the most famous monarchy in the world, the British Royal Family draw interest and attention from all corners of the world.

While you can’t guarantee you will get to see them in person during a trip to London, nowhere gives you a better chance than Buckingham Palace.

Located in the City Of Westminster district, at the very heart of London, Buckingham Palace was built in 1703 for the Duke Of Buckingham.

Purchased by King George III in 1761, it has been a royal residence ever since and became the official London home of the reigning monarch starting with Queen Victoria in 1837.

For many people, getting to see the stunning building and perhaps a royal or two will make the trip worth their while on its own

However, for those looking for a little more excitement, you also have attractions like the famous Changing Of The Guards ceremony. There is even the Queens Gallery, where you can view the Royal Collection, the largest private art collection in the world.

Also known as high tea, afternoon tea is a British tradition dating back centuries and is something England is known for around the world.

While there are plenty of places to enjoy it for yourself in London, those who want the most authentic experience should head to The Savoy hotel.

You’ll sit in a stunning, elegant location, right beside The Thames, being truly pampered throughout the duration of your visit.

The traditional menu of teas, scones, coronation chicken sandwiches, and freshly baked cakes offers plenty of variations, which provides options for people of all different tastes.

While there are a number of British dining traditions to experience during your visit to London, there may be none that are more elegant and synonymous with the true “British” experience than afternoon tea.

The Tower Of London is a legendary castle in Central London, the original sections of which were built in 1078 by William The Conqueror.

Continuously expanded and developed until the end of the 14th century, the Tower Of London is a Grade I and Grade II listed building, as well as a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Through the years, it has served in many capacities, including as an armoury, treasury, menagerie, and even as the Royal mint.

Among the attractions you will find are the iconic Beefeater guards and locations like Traitors Gate, where those sentenced to death were brought by boat to the gallows. It is also where you can view the official Crown Jewels Of England, which are on display in all their glory.

Around 3 million people visit the Tower Of London each year to soak in its history. Many will even choose to do it as part of a boat trip, to maximise their enjoyment of the experience.

First opened on new years eve 1999 and known as the Millennium Wheel, the London Eye is the largest Ferris wheel in Europe and previously the world, standing 135 metres (443 feet) tall.

Located on the South Bank of the River Thames, the London Eye is one of the best ways to take in panoramic views of the entire city.

With a full rotation taking 30 minutes, guests will have the time to study the landscape, seek out any specific landmarks, and take any photographs they want. At its peak, it is the second highest public observation point in the city and offers vistas that are truly breath-taking.

This goes a long way to explaining why it is the most visited paid attraction in all of the United Kingdom, with more than 3 million people taking a trip to the top each year.

Oxford Street runs through the heart of London and is the city’s main shopping street. It is also the busiest such road in all of Europe.

It features more than 300 stores and outlets, ranging from high end brands to souvenir shops. Many global companies also have their flagship stores located here.

Throw in a collection of beautiful, listed buildings and eateries, and Oxford Street becomes the perfect place to spend a day strolling around shopping and eating.

It even connects to iconic landmarks like Oxford Circus and has attractions like bars and theatres nearby, making it a destination capable of providing entertainment around the clock.

Big Ben and Parliament are two of the most iconic images of London, nestled together on the South Bank of the River Thames, in a complex known as the Palace Of Westminster.

The original building was erected in 1016, however it was destroyed by fire in the 19th century. The buildings you see today were rebuilt between 1840 and 1876, using beautiful Perpendicular Gothic Revival architecture.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and Grade I listed building, the Houses Of Parliament are the location of the highest seats of British government.

Many of the major decisions that affect both the country, as well as the larger world, are made here, making it a truly powerful location to visit.

Atop the Palace you also have the Elizabeth Tower, a clock tower commonly erroneously referred to as Big Ben. Big Ben is actually the name of the great bell that chimes within the tower on the stroke of the hour.

One of the most iconic British landmarks, the Palace Of Westminster is a location you simply have to see with your own eyes when you visit London.

It is also located immediately next to Westminster Abbey, another of the city’s famous historic landmarks. This makes it a location where you can combine multiple attractions into one, to get maximum value out of your time.

As one of the largest cities in the world, seeing everything London has to offer in a single trip is a tall ask, if it is possible at all. For those who want to try and cover as much ground as possible though, there isn’t a better way to see the city than on an open top bus tour.

Hop onto one of London’s iconic red, double decker buses and allow yourself to be guided around the capital, without having to worry about navigating the roads or streets yourself.

You’ll get to see most of the famous landmarks in the city centre, receive detailed information on the sights from knowledgeable tour guides, and fit more into a single day than you could possibly hope to any other way.

Those seeking a cultural experience during their stay in London won’t be disappointed, as the city features one of the greatest collections of museums and art galleries in the world.

Museums like the British Museum, Natural History Museum, Science Museum, Museum Of London, and the Victoria And Albert Museum provide plenty of options to learn about the history and evolution of the city and our world as a whole.

Meanwhile, galleries like Tate Britain, the National Portrait Gallery, and The National Gallery are filled with all the beautiful works of art you could possibly hope to see.

Throw in a collection of zoos, aquariums, and smaller historic attractions like manner houses, and there are plenty of exciting yet educational experiences to be had in London.

With a history as long and storied as London’s, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the city has a darker side to its past as well. Perhaps nothing demonstrates that quite as well as the tale of Jack The Ripper.

Often regarded as the world’s first serial killer, Jack The Ripper operated in the Whitechapel and Spitalfields area of East London between 1888 and 1891.

Also known as “The Whitechapel Murderer” and “Leather Apron”, Jack The Ripper is believed to have killed at least 5 victims, with as many as 11 linked to him.

Due to the brutal nature of the crimes, the media coverage the case received, and the fact that the culprit was never caught, The Whitechapel Murders have become stuff of folklore.

To this day, people are still coming up with their own theories and potential suspects.

Anyone interested in the case, or in serial killers as a whole, simply can’t pass up the opportunity to go on a Jack The Ripper walking tour when you visit London.

Guides in traditional costumes from the time will lead you around the Whitechapel district, giving you detailed accounts of the murders and other facts about the case on the very spots where the bodies were found.

It is a genuinely exciting, if somewhat morbid experience and, who knows, maybe you could even be the one to crack the case.

The Savoy is a world-famous, 5-star hotel, located on the banks of the River Thames in central London. First opened in 1889, the hotel has welcomed a who’s who of celebrities and the worlds elite over the past hundred plus years.

Each of the nearly 270 guest rooms and suites are expertly decorated using Art Deco and Edwardian stylings, marble bathrooms, and comfortable, elegant furnishings.

The classical appearance is perfectly blended with modern amenities, while many rooms offer incredible views of the city.

The hotel also boasts a collection of award winning restaurants on site, including Gordon Ramsay’s Savoy Grill, Simpson’s-In-The-Strand, and The River Restaurant, which is recognised as the top seafood restaurant in the country.

Afternoon tea is served in the Thames Foyer, while drinks, cocktails, and light snacks can be obtained from either the Beaufort Bar or the American Bar, an establishment that is consistently ranked among the best hotel bars in the world.

Throw in amenities like a swimming pool, spa, private parking, transport services, and site-wide Wi-Fi, and it should become clear that The Savoy is easily among the best hotels in London, if not the world.

That concludes our list of the 10 best things to do in London during your stay. Hopefully, it will have given you plenty of ideas to fill out your London itinerary and max out your enjoyment on your vacation.

That means all that’s left is to set a date and start getting things booked. That way, you can look forward to experiencing it all for yourself as soon as possible and won’t have to worry about missing out on any of your favourite hotels or attractions.