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London, England’s capital, is packed with iconic sights. You could easily spend weeks wandering between royal palaces, cool neighbourhoods and world-class museums. But what are the best places to visit in London?
Below, our UK-based travel experts have rounded up their top 13 recommendations. Some of these must-see spots are within walking distance of each other, so you could easily explore them on foot or by public transport.
Use this guide to navigate the capital with confidence and make the most of your time in London.
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1. Tower of London and Tower Bridge
Start your sightseeing in the capital with a visit to the Tower of London. You’ll find it right on the north bank of the Thames, next to the beautiful Tower Bridge.
This 1,000-year-old fortress has played many roles over the centuries. Once a royal palace, later a prison where heads quite literally rolled, this place has teeth. Walk the cobbles and you can almost hear the hiss of gossip about the final days of Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII’s second wife.
Top tip: If you’re keen to learn more about Henry VIII, make time to visit Hampton Court Palace outside central London. This grand Tudor residence gives you a deeper look into the king’s dramatic reign.
You can also see the Crown Jewels here, which are still used in royal ceremonies today. Glide past them on a moving walkway that lets you admire the crowns, sceptres, and orbs up close.
Good to know: The Tower of London is a popular attraction, so it’s best to pre-book your tickets, especially during the summer months.
Once you’ve explored the Tower, you’re only steps away from Tower Bridge. Many people mistake it for London Bridge – but it’s much more photogenic!
You can admire it from the riverbank, stroll across it or climb its towers for panoramic views of the city skyline.
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2. Big Ben and Westminster Abbey
After you’ve soaked up the views from Tower Bridge, stroll along the north bank of the river, and you’ll arrive at another famous duo: Big Ben and Westminster Abbey.
This historic clock is one of the most iconic photo backdrops in all of London. But did you know that “Big Ben” is just a nickname for the great bell inside the clock tower?
The tower itself is called the Elizabeth Tower, and it’s part of the Palace of Westminster. This is where politicians have been arguing and occasionally making history for centuries.
Next door, you’ll find Westminster Abbey, England’s most famous church. Every single monarch since 1066 has been crowned here, including King Charles III. It’s also hosted royal weddings, like that of Prince William and Kate Middleton in 2011.
Inside, it’s packed with history. Wander through soaring vaulted ceilings, royal tombs, and Poets’ Corner, where writers like William Shakespeare and Jane Austen are honoured.
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3. London Eye
One of the most exciting ways to see London from above is by hopping aboard the London Eye, also known as the “Millennium Wheel”. You’ll find it on the South Bank of the Thames, just across from Big Ben and Westminster Abbey.
This giant observation wheel gives you 360-degree views of the London skyline, stretching for miles. A full rotation takes around 30 minutes, so there’s plenty of time to spot famous landmarks like St Paul’s Cathedral, the Shard and Buckingham Palace.
There are 32 glass pods, each representing one of London’s boroughs. They’re fully enclosed, air-conditioned and slow-moving, so you can relax and enjoy the ride – even if you’re not a big fan of heights.
Good to know: You can’t bring luggage on the London Eye, but secure storage is available nearby for a small fee. If you’re coming from or heading to the airport, you’ll also find luggage lockers at every major London station, including King’s Cross and Paddington.
Want to see the city from another angle? Take a Thames river cruise, which lets you glide past many of London’s top sights from the water.
4. Buckingham Palace
After exploring historic sights around the Thames, head west along The Mall. This grand, tree-lined avenue funnels you through St James Park and right up to Buckingham Palace. This world-famous landmark has been the official home of the UK monarchs since 1837.
Buckingham is more of a fortress than fairy tale. With guards who don’t flinch, you can get the occasional glimpse of the famous balcony where the British royal family make an appearance during big celebrations.
Top tip: The Royal Standard flag flies above Buckingham Palace only when the King is home. If you see the Union Jack instead, he’s away.
Catch the Changing of the Guard
A popular tradition you can see here is the Changing of the Guard. This is when one set of guards officially hands over palace protection duties to a new set of guards. You can expect soldiers dressed in bright red tunics and tall bearskin hats marching to military music.
The ceremony is free to watch and usually takes place around 11 a.m. on select days, so check the schedule before you visit.
If you’re keen to explore more royal history, head just a short distance west to Kensington Palace in Kensington Gardens. Once home to Princess Diana, and more recently the London residence of William and Kate, it’s one of the best places to see in London.
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5. St Paul’s Cathedral
You can’t miss St Paul’s Cathedral when you’re walking around central London. Its baroque dome stands out among London’s sleek modern buildings.
Perched on Ludgate Hill, the cathedral was built in the late 17th century and took 35 years to complete.
Step inside and you’ll be walking through centuries of British history. This is where Winston Churchill’s funeral was held, where Prince Charles married Lady Diana, and where Londoners took shelter during the Blitz in World War II.
You can explore at your own pace or join a guided tour to uncover even more fascinating facts. And if you’re feeling energetic, climb the 528 steps to the Golden Gallery at the top of the dome. It’s a workout, but the sweeping views across London are worth every huffing step.
Top tip: Don’t miss the Whispering Gallery. Thanks to its unique acoustics, you can whisper on one side of the dome and be heard clearly on the other.
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6. The Shard
If you want to see London from its highest point, head straight to The Shard. It’s located right on the south bank of the Thames, next to London Bridge station.
Standing at almost 310 metres (1,016 feet) tall, this glossy skyscraper is the tallest building in the UK. Its sharp, tapering design was inspired by a shard of glass – hence the name.
Take the elevator up to The View, the observation deck that spans floors 68, 69 and 72. On a clear day, you can see up to 64 kilometres (40 miles) into the distance, well past the city’s edge.
Local tip: You don’t need to stay at the Shard’s Shangri-La hotel to dine there. Simply book a table at one of its sky-high restaurants and enjoy dinner (or lunch) with a view.
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7. Borough Market
London’s food markets are attractions in their own right, and Borough Market is one of the city’s oldest and most beloved. You’ll find it tucked under the railway arches near London Bridge, just a 5-minute walk from the Shard.
Wander through the bustling stalls, where you’ll be met with mouthwatering smells. Think sizzling street food, fresh-baked goods, cheese mongers, and more. One minute you’re slurping fresh oysters, the next you’re watching someone flip duck confit wraps or serve up fragrant Sri Lankan curries.
Come hungry. Leave full. This is the kind of place where you can grab lunch in between sightseeing, stock up on gourmet treats, or just enjoy the atmosphere.
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8. World-class museums
London is home to some of the best museums in the world, and many are free to visit. Whether you’re into ancient history or modern art, you’ll find something to spark your curiosity.
Tate Modern
Housed in a former power station on the South Bank, the Tate Modern is a museum of modern and contemporary art. Here you’ll find Picasso, Rothko, Hockney, plus whatever experimental installation is currently making people scratch their heads.
Entry is free, and you can head to the viewing level for striking views across the Thames.
British Museum
The British Museum is one of the most famous in the world – and yes, it’s also free! Inside, explore a huge collection of artefacts, including the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies and the Parthenon sculptures (also known as the Elgin Marbles).
The National Gallery
Sitting in Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery showcases some of the best of British and European art and history. You’ll see masterpieces by artists like Botticelli, da Vinci, Rembrandt and Van Gogh.
After a major revamp, it reopened in 2023 with fresh displays and a rooftop bar. Entry is free, and you can buy tickets for the paid exhibitions online or at the front desk.
Before or after your visit, make sure to spend some time taking in the sights of Trafalgar Square.
Churchill War Rooms
Go underground into the actual bunker where Winston Churchill and his team ran Britain’s WWII efforts. The rooms have been left just as they were in the 1940s – maps on the walls, phones on desks, and even a pair of slippers under Churchill’s chair.
Unlike the others, this one isn’t free, but it’s well worth the price if you’re a history lover.
9. Notting Hill
With its pastel-coloured houses, elegant streets and historical street market, Notting Hill is one of London’s most charming neighbourhoods.
Whether you’re a fan of the 1999 movie, a vintage treasure hunter, or simply looking for a picturesque stroll, you can easily spend a full day here.
Explore Portobello Road Market
Running through the heart of Notting Hill, Portobello Road Market is a must-visit. Open daily, it’s packed with stalls where you can shop for vintage clothes, jewellery, quirky antiques and delicious street food.
Snap pictures of rainbow-hued houses
Notting Hill is home to some of the prettiest streets in London, with rows of townhouses that look like they’ve been dipped in sherbet. Take a stroll down Lancaster Road or Hillgate Place to see some of the neighbourhood’s most Instagram-worthy spots.
If you’re a fan of the movie Notting Hill (and who isn’t?), don’t miss the blue door, the entrance to the fictional home of Hugh Grant’s character. You’ll find it at 280 Westbourne Park Road, near Westbourne Park tube station.
If you wander a bit off the main roads, you’ll come across Notting Hill’s mews. These cobbled lanes used to be stables back in the 19th century, but now they’re some of the cutest (and most photographed) residences in the area.
The most famous street is St. Luke’s Mews, which you might recognise from the movie Love Actually.
This is a postcard-perfect area, but it’s also a functioning neighbourhood. So while you’re capturing that perfect shot, just be thoughtful about where you’re standing – the locals will appreciate it.
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10. West End
After exploring London’s museums and historical sights, dive into the city’s renowned theatre district.
The West End is packed with over 40 venues where you can watch some of the best plays and musicals in the world. Popular shows include long-running musicals like The Lion King and The Phantom of the Opera and modern hits like Hamilton.
Local tip: Pop over to the TKTS booth in Leicester Square for discounted same-day tickets.
Don’t miss nearby Soho and Covent Garden
For post-theatre drinks or a fun night out, head to Soho, a lively neighbourhood in the heart of the West End. Pop into cosy historic pubs, intimate jazz clubs and cocktail bars hidden down narrow alleyways.
Just a short walk from Soho, Covent Garden sits on the eastern edge of the West End. Wander through the 19th-century Covent Garden Market, where you’ll find artisan booths, independent shops and cafés. Out in the Piazza, enjoy talented street performers, including opera singers, mimes and contortionists.
If you’re visiting in winter, head over to nearby Somerset House for a skate on the open-air ice rink.
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11. Camden Town and Camden Lock
If you’re after something altogether more alternative, make your way north to Camden Town.
This creative, counter-culture neighbourhood was the heart of London’s punk scene. Bands like The Sex Pistols, The Clash and Pink Floyd made waves here, performing at legendary venues like The Roundhouse and KOKO.
Today, Camden is a tangle of colourful graffiti and punk fashion stalls. At the heart of it all is Camden Market, a maze of quirky stalls and independent shops around Camden Lock. You’ll find everything here, from vintage fashion and handmade jewellery to international street food.
12. Lush parks and gardens
Need a break from the city energy? London’s parks are ideal for peaceful walks, stretching your legs, picnics and child-friendly play areas. Here are a few of the best spots to unwind in:
Hyde Park – One of London’s largest and most famous royal parks. Go boating on the Serpentine, visit the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain, or just relax under the leafy trees.
Hampstead Heath – This wild and sprawling park in north London is a favourite with locals. Head up Parliament Hill for stunning city views, or take a dip in one of the Heath’s natural swimming ponds.
Richmond Park – A designated National Nature Reserve, this vast park is home to hundreds of free-roaming red and fallow deer. Visit in mid-spring to see colourful azaleas, camellias and rhododendrons in bloom at the Isabella Plantation.
Kew Gardens – These UNESCO-listed botanical gardens in southwest London are a plant lover’s dream. Explore tropical glasshouses, a treetop walkway, Japanese gardens and one of the world’s largest plant collections.
13. Oxford Street and Regent Street
If it’s retail therapy you’re after, Oxford Street and Regent Street are some of the best places to go in London. These 2 famous shopping destinations are lined with flagship stores, fashion brands and historic architecture.
Oxford Street is a shopper’s paradise with big-name brands and department stores like Selfridges. Just around the corner, the sweeping curve of Regent Street is home to the world’s oldest toy store, Hamleys, and upmarket shops like Burberry.
While you’re in the area, don’t miss nearby Carnaby Street. Tucked away just behind Regent Street, this stylish pedestrianised lane is packed with independent boutiques, creative brands, and cool cafés.
It’s easy to spend hours here, whether you’re window shopping, treating yourself, or stocking up on souvenirs.
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See the best of the UK with Nordic Visitor
London isn’t just packed with amazing things to see and do. It's also the perfect starting point for your UK adventure.
These UK tours from London will take you to England’s charming towns, Scotland’s rugged Highlands and across the Irish Sea to Ireland. Plus, our dedicated travel consultants will arrange everything for you, including handpicked accommodation, local transport and any optional activities.
If you want the freedom to go at your own pace, choose a UK self-drive trip. Or, explore with a local guide and meet like-minded travellers on a small guided group tour of the UK. However you decide to travel, we’ll make sure your getaway is unforgettable.
Contact us to start planning your adventure to the UK.
