Must-See Attractions and Activities in London

One of the most popular activities in London is watching the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. This is something that every visitor should see at least once.

Start your day with a leisurely stroll through the city’s famous Royal Hyde Park. This green space is a refreshing break from the hectic pace of London life.

London Eye

Located across from Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye is an observation wheel that provides sweeping views over the South Bank cultural complex and beyond. Guests can see many of the city’s iconic landmarks, including Buckingham Palace and St Paul’s Cathedral. The London Eye is a must-see attraction for any visitor to the capital.

While tickets for a ride on the London Eye are normally a little pricey, it’s possible to score deals on them when booking well in advance. The attraction also offers a variety of premium experiences and pods, such as the Champagne Experience, Private Pod, and Cupid’s Capsule. The London Eye is also a popular place to watch a sunset, though the times vary depending on the time of year and daylight savings.

The London Eye is located at Westminster Bridge and close to other attractions, such as the South Bank Centre and the National Theatre. Several metro stations are within walking distance of the attraction, with Waterloo (Northern and Black lines) and Westminster (Jubilee, Circle, and District Lines) being the closest. Several hotels are also nearby, such as the Marriott County Hall, Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London, and the Hampton by Hilton London Waterloo.

If you want to see the London Eye in a whole new light, check out the illuminations that happen for major holidays and special occasions. The structure is lit with different colors to celebrate events, such as blue and white for Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding. The illuminations last for a few weeks, and it’s a fun way to get an incredible photo and make memories of your visit to London.

Another way to see the city from the water is on a speedboat tour from Airbnb Experiences and GetYourGuide. You’ll start your trip from Tower Bridge Quay, where you’ll be welcomed aboard the Thames’ largest speedboat fitted with suspension seating. After a safety briefing, you’ll set off on an exhilarating tour through the heart of the city.

This is a fun and unique experience that’s perfect for couples, friends, or groups of any size. Sail your own Skuna BBQ Boat around Canary Wharf or at lakeside Essex. You’ll learn how to sail and grill your own food, while enjoying the sights of the city from the water.

Leicester Square

Tacky, brash and a little overwhelming for some, Leicester Square (pronounced Lester, not Lei-ces-ter) is a must-see attraction for all visitors to London. While it may be renowned for its many movie premieres and TKTS ticket booth, it also houses a wide variety of restaurants, shops and theatres. You can even grab a quick bite to eat before or after your show at the iconic food cart in the middle of the square.

The area’s most famous sight is Piccadilly Circus, a dazzling array of LED advertising signs, huge stores and the London branch of the Hard Rock Cafe. It’s a fun place to walk around during the day and at night when it’s all lit up.

For something a little different, you can join a pub tour or a walking tour with a guide to see the most interesting places in the area. If you love history, opt for a historical pub tour and learn more about the city’s rich past. Then, you can visit a few of the city’s best museums and galleries and have lunch in one of them.

Leicester Square is also home to a number of theaters, including the London Coliseum and Her Majesty’s Theatre. It’s the main hub for the West End, which is the London equivalent of Broadway in New York. Check out a musical or play during your stay in the heart of the city.

Younger kids will love the family-friendly Scenes in the Square trail that features a number of bronze statues of popular film characters scattered around the square.

London’s appeal to the younger generation is because they can take a picture with Harry Potter on his broomstick playing Quidditch, eat a sandwich with Paddington Bear or sit next to Mr. Bean, recite poetry with Shakespeare or laugh along with Bugs Bunny and other animated stars.

 

London Zoo

When visiting London with the family, a visit to the famous London Zoo is an absolute must. This beautiful animal sanctuary is a unique conservation Zoo in the heart of one of the world’s most vibrant cities and provides a unique experience to see incredible animals from all over the globe. The Zoo has many exhibits for guests to explore, including Tiger Territory where visitors can dine in a special enclosure alongside Sumatran tigers. Visitors can also trek through the Amazon rainforest to see two-toed sloths, cute emperor tamarin monkeys and exotic birds.

The Zoo’s biggest attraction is Land of the Lions, a walk-through enclosure that allows visitors to get closer than ever to mighty Asiatic lions. For the more adventurous, a trip to Monkey Valley will transport you to the rainforest and allow you to watch gravity-defying colobus monkeys leaping, lounging, swinging and snoozing above you. Then, head over to the penguin pool and catch a show or learn more about the fascinating Humboldt penguins.

For those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, the zoo is the perfect place to relax and take a breath of fresh air. The Zoo is located in Regent’s Park, a large green space that offers the perfect spot to spend the day strolling and enjoying nature.

If you’re feeling hungry, there are a number of restaurants at the zoo that offer a variety of food and drink options for you to enjoy. The zoo also has a range of talks and feedings throughout the day that you can attend to learn more about the animals and their habitats.

When planning your day, it’s important to note that the zoo can be very busy, especially on weekends and during school holidays. So, it’s a good idea to arrive early and plan ahead for your day to avoid any delays or disappointments. You can also make the most of your trip by booking your entry tickets ahead of time through Turbopass on our online portal. This will ensure that you have a seamless entrance experience.

 

Big Ben

Big Ben is a famous clock tower and a must-see attraction for any London visitor. It’s best to visit Big Ben at dusk or in the proper evening so that you can witness the magnificent lighting settings on all 4 sides of the tower. It’s also a fun experience to watch the bell chime on New Year’s Eve. The chimes are broadcast live on the radio and on television worldwide. If you have the time, be sure to listen for the chimes at least 13 times.

The best way to see the clock is to book a tour that takes you into the tower. You will be able to climb up 334 steps and see the interiors of the clock and the bell itself. You can also learn more about the history of this iconic landmark on the tour.

Another popular activity in London is to take a river cruise on the Thames. This is a great way to get an overview of the city and see the sights without having to worry about traffic or getting lost. The tours last about an hour and are a lot of fun. They are also a great way to relax and have a drink.

London is home to a number of world-renowned museums. One of the most popular is the British Museum, which features a huge collection of historical artifacts, including a portion of the Parthenon and the Rosetta Stone. Visiting this museum typically takes two to three hours, so be sure to book your tickets ahead of time.

You can also take a stroll around the historic Trafalgar Square, which is located nearby. This is a popular gathering spot for tourists and locals alike. It’s also the site of Nelson’s Column and the National Gallery.

If you’re looking for a more adventurous way to see the city, try taking a tour on a Skuna BBQ Boat. This is a unique and exhilarating outdoor experience that will definitely be memorable. This is a great way to spend a night out in London with friends.

If you’re planning to visit London, be sure to check out the incredible restaurants and cafes in the area. Some of them are renowned for their amazing food and atmosphere. There are also a number of parks in the area that are perfect for a quiet getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. St. James’ Park is especially nice for a leisurely walk, and Hyde Park is a popular choice for joggers.