The best places to visit in London according to travel experts

Why should you visit the Tower of London?

Among all London attractions, the Tower of London feels like a world within a world, which is why we think it’s one of the best places to visit in London. Much like Windsor Castle, the Tower has a deep and eclectic history—once a palace, then a prison, now it hosts the Crown Jewels (which you can see on tour with us!).

What you’ll experience at the Tower of London

All of our London tours will take you to the outskirts of the Tower of London, where your tour guide will give you the history, lore, and more while you admire the imposing stone fortress (it was built by William the Conqueror with stones brought from Normandy more than 950 years ago!). If you can’t get enough of the royal history—and its treasures—explore the grounds during your free time on our London, Paris & Amsterdam tour. Here’s how to explore the Tower of London like a pro.

• Legendary ravens. Step inside the grounds and meet the famous ravens: Harris, Jubilee, Poppy, Edgar, Georgie, Chaos, Henry, and Poe. Legend has it that if the six ravens leave the tower, the kingdom will fall.
• The Crown Jewels. The priceless collection contains famous pieces like St. Edward’s Crown and The Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross, both used in royal coronations to this day.
• The Bloody Tower. Found inside the grounds, this tower is named after the history and mysteries that happened inside. Like the disappearance of the young princes Edward V and Richard, who were kept in the tower by order of their uncle, Richard III, and who disappeared without a trace.

Pro tip: We recommend entering the Tower of London for an exclusive tour with a Yeoman Warder (aka a Beefeater). Their expertise is included with the price of admission, and their tour will bring history to life.

Why should you visit the London Eye?

For unrivaled views of the city, don’t miss out on a ride on the London Eye. This modern Ferris wheel is just 26 years old, one of the newer London city attractions, but has quickly become one of the most popular spots for panoramic views.

What you’ll experience from the London Eye

Join our London: The City Experience tour and enjoy your included ride on the London Eye on your final evening in the capital. On a clear day, you’ll be able to see 25 miles in all directions—pretty remarkable!

• Nonstop views. Step into the glass gondola and slowly ascend nearly 450 feet into the air, taking in the changing views as you rise.
• A fresh look at landmarks. Gaze out at the city’s world-famous landmarks, like Big Ben, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and beyond.
• Unparalleled photos. Bring your camera—every angle offers a postcard-worthy shot of London’s sprawling neighborhoods, landmarks, and natural beauty (like the River Thames).
• Relaxation. Enjoy yourself with your fellow travelers. The 30-minute rotation gives you plenty of time to soak in the scenery—and reminisce with your group—without feeling rushed.

Pro tip: If you’re on our London & Paris tour, add the London Eye & Pub Dinner excursion to watch the sun set over the city before heading to a local pub for dinner.

Why should you visit Buckingham Palace?

Buckingham Palace is pretty much synonymous with England, making it one of the most important historic sites in the country. It was initially built as a large house in the late 17th century and became the royal residence in 1762 when purchased for Queen Charlotte. In the 1820s, the house began its renovation into a palace and the rest is British history.

What you’ll experience at Buckingham Palace

The palace comprises 830,000 square feet, 775 rooms, 40 acres of gardens, a helicopter pad, a tennis court, and so much more. Here’s what you can’t miss at this historic London attraction on our London, Paris & Rome: Exclusive Experiences tour.

• The Changing of the Guard. We’ll take you to the gates, where you might catch this choreographed show of the literal changing of guards from one shift to another.
• Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms. Tour inside the palace during your free time on one of our London tours to see the State Rooms. They’re only open to visitors during select times of the year, so check availability before you go. You’ll get to view the Throne Room, Green Drawing Room, the Ballroom, and more.
• Expansive gardens. Outside the palace walls, cap off your tour with a wander through the expansive gardens. Admire the royal tennis court and the Waterloo Vase—a 49-foot-tall marble vase engraved with foliage, roses, Napoleonic battle scenes, and more.

Pro tip: After you leave the palace, use your free time to wander St. James Park. It’s the oldest Royal Park in London, and runs right up to Buckingham Palace.

Why should you visit Big Ben?

From its resounding chimes to its iconic stance, few London attractions outrank Big Ben (which is actually a nickname for the Great Bell house inside Elizabeth Tower). The tower was built between 1843 and 1859, and the 13.7-ton bell was added in 1858. Big Ben quickly became the most famous element of Elizabeth Tower and grew to even more fame after surviving relentless bombing during World War II. To Londoners, it represents resilience, hope, and triumph.

What you’ll experience at Big Ben

On our London, Paris & Madrid tour, you’ll get to see Big Ben during your comprehensive tour of London—which also includes seeing the Tower of London and the London Eye—and hear the history of the clock tower, the bell, and the city itself.

• A tour of the tower. After exploring the city with your group, use your free time to buy a ticket to tour Elizabeth Tower on your own. You’ll get to see the mechanism room and hear even more of Big Ben’s history.
• Westminster Bridge. Use your free time to head to the bridge and admire Big Ben from another vantage point; you’re sure to recognize the sights in front of you from postcards, paintings, movies, and more.
• Evening lights. Visiting Big Ben by day means you’ll be able to admire the ornate details, but after dusk, the facade is illuminated in lights. So we recommend heading back to the tower in the evening and seeing a different side of Big Ben.

Pro tip: The area around Big Ben is walkable and pairs well with exploring Westminster Abbey and the South Bank. And don’t forget to be there on the hour, to hear the bell chime for yourself!

Why should you visit Westminster Abbey?

If you’re wondering what to do in London for a truly immersive historical experience, head to Westminster Abbey. The abbey is one of the best places to visit in London and is still the setting for royal coronations (and has been since 1066). It’s also the final resting place of many royals and scientists alike, with memorials to notable British poets, too.

What you’ll experience at Westminster Abbey

On our Highlights of England, Scotland & Ireland tour, you’ll get to see Westminster Abbey during a comprehensive guided tour through the city. Afterward, you’ll have free time to either add an excursion or explore on your own. If you choose to stay near Westminster, here’s what you can expect.

• Ornate architecture. Go inside the abbey on a guided or audio tour to get even more of its history and immerse yourself in the intricate details of the one-of-a-kind architecture. From the engraved arches to the kaleidoscopic colors of the stained glass—everywhere you turn, you’ll see another astounding detail.
• The Poets’ and Scientists’ Corners. Pay homage to poets and scientists who are either buried in the abbey, like Charles Darwin and Isaac Newton, or who have memorials in their honor, like Shakespeare and Charles Dickens.
• The royal tombs. More than 30 royals rest in Westminster Abbey, so if you have a flair for the macabre, add a tour of the royal tombs to your free time.

Pro tip: If you’re on our London: The City Experience tour, add the Westminster Abbey & Afternoon Tea excursion. Enjoy a private tour with a local guide before sitting down for afternoon tea, where you will enjoy the classic English tradition accompanied by specialties like finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, and pastries.

Why should you visit Hyde Park?

Hyde Park is one of the best places to visit in London because of its rich history and verdant views. Once a hunting ground for King Henry VIII, it’s been a park for the people since King Charles I. Today, it’s known for its gorgeous greenery, monuments (this is where Princess Diana’s Memorial Fountain is), the iconic Speaker’s Corner, and live events. Best of all, it’s one of the best free things to do in London.

What you’ll experience at Hyde Park

Visiting Hyde Park is one of the best things to do in London because of its beauty and reputation for being the center of things like festivals, historical monuments, and celebrations. On our London & Paris tour, you’ll have free time after your visit to Buckingham Palace, and we recommend walking to Hyde Park (which is only about a half-mile away). Here’s what you need to know before you go to the People’s Park.

• The Speaker’s Corner. Known as the birthplace of freedom of speech, this space maintains its tradition of being a popular place for Londoners to gather and be heard. Some of its notable speakers include William Morris, Karl Marx, and George Orwell.
• Outdoor activities. In the warmer months, use your free time on tour to rent a boat and paddle around the ponds, even taking a dip if you’d like! Plus, enjoy ice cream from vendors camped throughout the park.
• Winter festivals. Hyde Park becomes a winter wonderland and features more than 150 attractions, rides, and festive activities to celebrate the holiday season. It’s a great way to spend a free evening on our Off-Peak United Kingdom: Edinburgh & London tour.

Pro tip: Bibliophiles will love Maggs Bros. Ltd., tucked between Hyde Park and Buckingham Palace. Established in 1853, Maggs is one of the world’s largest and oldest purveyors of antiquarian books. For serious book collectors, it’s a must-visit.

Why should you visit the British Museum?

The British Museum is home to an abundance of treasures that span centuries and cannot be missed on your trip to London. Founded in 1753 and distinguished as the first national public museum in the world, it showcases everything from priceless artifacts like mummies and the Rosetta Stone to present-day prints. Its collection truly is a haven for history and culture, making it one of the top free things to do in London.

What you’ll experience at The British Museum

The British Museum contains more than 60 galleries, each focusing on a specific civilization, time period of an area, a country’s artwork, and more. Our best advice? Book your free ticket in advance and go in with a plan of what you want to see.

• The Egyptian sculpture gallery. Regarded as one of the most popular collections in the museum, you’ll see statues of Ramesses II and Amenhotep III, among more relics spanning 3,000 years of Egyptian history.
• Rotating exhibits. Check to see which exhibits will be available for purchase when you’re on tour in London. Unlike the rest of the museum, special exhibits are not free and do sell out, so get them while you can.
• Cafes and restaurants. The museum houses a casual cafe, a pizzeria, and even a more upscale dining experience called the Great Court Restaurant, where patrons dine under a glass roof that’s tessellated with steel.

Pro tip: If you’re looking to secure a spot at the Great Court Restaurant, be sure to make a reservation ahead of time. If you can’t make a reservation or don’t want to eat there, don’t miss out on walking through the Great Court and admiring that gorgeous ceiling.

Why should you visit Kensington Palace?

Kensington Palace is a piece of London history combined with contemporary use. It first became a royal residence as far back as 1689, and has undergone several transformations and renovations to become one of the homes for the monarchy. Several members of the royal family have made Kensington Palace their base, including The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, The Duke and Duchess of Kent, and the Prince and Princess of Wales (yes, Will and Kate!).

What you’ll experience at Kensington Palace:

Use your free time on any of our London tours to visit Kensington Palace. It’s located in Kensington Gardens, west of Hyde Park, which is just over a mile away. In fact, the two were once connected, but Queen Caroline divided them in 1728 to give her family more privacy.

• The royal residence. Purchase a ticket and opt for a guided or audio tour inside the palace. You’ll see everything from state rooms to Queen Victoria’s nursery. There’s even a Jewel Room, where you can view Queen Victoria’s prized diamond and emerald tiara, emerald necklace, earrings, and brooch.
• The Sunken Garden. Take a quiet moment in one of Princess Diana’s favorite places. She loved this garden so much that in honor of her, the space was transformed to reflect her signature style. Drawing inspiration from her love of wearing soft pastels and whites, the Sunken Garden was transformed into The White Garden in 2017. There’s even a statue of her to pay respects to.
• Even more green space. Remember, the palace is just a part of Kensington Garden, which is almost 275 acres! Enjoy the rich park, admire the ponds (and the swans that call them home), and enjoy watching locals and travelers alike soaking in the well-tended public space.

Pro tip: On our new United Kingdom for Solo Travelers: England, Wales & Ashridge House tour, add the Kensington Palace & Afternoon Tea excursion and explore the palace’s elaborate State Apartments before making your way to the adjacent Orangery for a traditional afternoon tea, served with finger sandwiches, scones, and Cornish clotted cream.

Why should you visit St. Paul’s Cathedral?

St. Paul’s Cathedral has a history as storied as London itself. Originally built in 604 A.D., it had to be rebuilt not once but twice. Today, it’s a symbol of faith and resistance, having, like Big Ben, also survived the bombings of London in World War II.

What you’ll experience at St. Paul’s Cathedral

Join us on our new United Kingdom for Solo Travelers: England, Wales & Ashridge House tour and admire the Baroque Anglican church, sitting atop Ludgate Hill, on your sightseeing tour of London. Use your free time on this tour, or any of our London tours, to see even more of St. Paul’s Cathedral.

• Ancient history. Get a sightseeing ticket and enjoy the included tour of the cathedral. You’ll step inside and hear the history while you admire the intricate architecture, stained glass, and ambiance.
• Church service. St. Paul’s offers daily morning services and an evening Eucharist as well as Sunday services. No need to book ahead—all are welcome to worship here.
• The crypt. Use your sightseeing ticket to explore the crypt, which is an expansive and tiled room with gorgeous columns and memorials to those who rest there. You’ll find tombs for the cathedral’s architect, Sir Christopher Wren, along with notable scientist and inventor of penicillin, Sir Alexander Fleming, and famed poet John Donne.

Pro tip: Nearby is Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, a recreation of where the Bard’s plays were originally performed. It’s an active theater that also offers guided tours, food and drink, and shopping for that Shakespeare fan in your life.

Why should you visit Windsor Castle?

We consider going to Windsor Castle one of the best day trips from London because it combines ancient history with modern function and is absolutely stunning. Built in the 11th century by William the Conqueror, this expansive estate has been a palace, fortress, prison, and even a zoo! Whether you’re planning your trip to London or wondering what to do in London beyond the city center, Windsor Castle is a must-see.

What you’ll experience at Windsor Castle

Today, Windsor Castle is mostly used as a venue for royal functions and ceremonies—it’s also where Prince William and his family sometimes reside. We recommend adding the optional excursion to visit the grounds if you’re on our London & Paris tour. It will give you a chance to explore the castle and its surrounding area with an expert local guide. Here’s what you can expect from this excursion.

• State Apartments. Meet your Blue Badge Guide—a highly trained tour guide with exclusive knowledge, know-how, and experience—and step inside the spaces used to host royal banquets and functions for King Charles III and his family.
• St. George’s Chapel. Stand where monarchs and knights have stood—and where they’re still knighted. That’s right, ceremonies of the Most Noble Order of the Garter still occur here, as well as many royal weddings (like that of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, aka the Duke and Duchess of Sussex).
• Royal treasures. View the collection of valuables that range from Queen Mary’s dollhouse—a miniature palace replica with running water, electricity, and functioning lifts crafted for the young queen between 1921 and 1924—to an oil and canvas portrait of Pope Pius VII, painted in 1819.

Pro tip: After the excursion, enjoy your free time by wandering the grounds yourself, contemplating all the people who stood where you now stand and admired the same verdant views as you.

Planning a trip to London can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Overall, the city can be easy to navigate, so here are our best tips for what to do in London.

• Head to the center of the city to see the most sites. Most of the city attractions in London are centrally located, and many top museums offer free admission—perfect for exploring with a group and maximizing your time. (On our tours, we handle timing and transport so you can focus on enjoying the experience.)
• It pays to plan ahead. Popular sites draw big crowds, and tickets for major attractions can add up. If you’re looking for the best day trips from London—like Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, or Bath—weave them into your itinerary early. Our guided tours include skip-the-line access, bundled pricing, and seamless transportation, so you can focus on soaking in the history and beauty rather than worrying about logistics.
• Join a guided tour. Our best advice is to leave all the planning, on-tour transportation, ticket buying, hotel booking, and flights to us. Join any of our London tours and know that all you have to do is pack, relax, and enjoy!