aventuro
United Kingdom
Things to do in London
2,234 attractions · United Kingdom
Photo: Fuzzypiggy, CC BY-SA 3.0
Greater London, United Kingdom · 51.507, -0.128
About London
London serves as a global hub of finance, culture, and political history, defined by its blend of Roman foundations and contemporary architecture. The city spans both sides of the River Thames, home to iconic landmarks like Big Ben and the historic Tower of London. Visitors can explore deep academic collections at The British Museum or enjoy expansive city views from the Sky Garden. It functions as one of the world's most significant cultural capitals, anchored by centuries of royal tradition and diverse modern neighborhoods.
Good to know
- 1
London is legally classified as a forest under ancient regulations because more than 20% of its land area is covered by trees.
- 2
The city's 'Square Mile', the City of London, maintains its own police force, unique voting rights for businesses, and a ceremonial head known as the Lord Mayor.
- 3
Archaeological regulations require significant construction projects in the city center to fund excavations, leading to constant new discoveries of Roman Londinium.
- 4
The London Underground was the world's first subterranean railway, opening its first line between Paddington and Farringdon in 1863.
- 5
London houses over 170 museums, many of which remain free to the public due to long-standing government funding mandates.
Plan your visit to London
Best time to visit
May to September offers the most temperate weather and the longest daylight hours for outdoor sightseeing.
How many days
4-5 days to balance major museum visits with exploring diverse neighborhoods and central historical sites.
Getting around
The city is best navigated using the extensive London Underground network, supplemented by iconic red buses and the river-based Uber Boat services.
Where to stay
Stay in Westminster or South Bank for immediate proximity to major landmarks, or choose Bloomsbury for a quieter atmosphere near central cultural institutions.
Budget
London is an expensive destination, particularly regarding accommodation and dining, though many major museums offer free general admission.
Highlights of London
The places our editors single out - and why they're worth your time.
Tower of London
Explore the medieval fortress that has served as a royal palace, prison, and the secure vault for the Crown Jewels.
Big Ben
View the world-famous Great Clock and the Elizabeth Tower, the seat of the British Parliament.
Tower Bridge
Walk across this Victorian bascule bridge to witness the high-level walkways that offer panoramic views of the Thames.
The British Museum
Browse a collection of millions of human history artifacts, including the Rosetta Stone and the Elgin Marbles.
Sky Garden
Access an observation deck set within a lush, tiered indoor garden located at the top of a distinctive skyscraper.
Tate Modern
Visit a former power station that now houses one of the world's largest collections of international modern and contemporary art.
Buckingham Palace
Observe the Changing of the Guard ceremony at the official residence of the British monarch.
London Eye
Ride a giant cantilevered observation wheel for a 360-degree perspective of the city's skyline.
Top things to do in London
The 2,234 most popular places in London.
-
841
Museums Hidden gem
National Gallery Shop
The National Gallery Shop is the official retail destination housed within London's premier art institution at Trafalgar...
-
842
Parks Hidden gem
St Mary Aldermanbury Garden
St Mary Aldermanbury Garden is a historical urban park built on the ruins of a Christopher Wren church destroyed during...
-
843
Places of interest Hidden gem
The Fourth Plinth
The Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square serves as the UK's most prominent platform for contemporary public art. While thre...
-
844
Parks Hidden gem
Prince's Gardens
Prince's Gardens is a private-style garden square situated in South Kensington, primarily serving the Imperial College L...
-
845
Playgrounds Hidden gem
Barnard Adventure Playground
-
846
Places of interest Hidden gem
National Trust - 575 Wandsworth Road
-
847
Historical places Hidden gem
Crosby Moran Hall
Crosby Moran Hall is a reconstructed 15th-century merchant's hall situated on the Thames embankment in Chelsea. It origi...
-
848
Museums Hidden gem
Getty Images Gallery
Getty Images Gallery is a renowned independent photography gallery located on Eastcastle Street in central London. The v...
-
849
Historical places Hidden gem
Dover House
Dover House at 70 Whitehall is a historic government building in London currently serving as the headquarters of the Sco...
-
850
Historical places Hidden gem
David Bowie's childhood home
The terraced house at 40 Stansfield Road in Brixton served as the birthplace of David Bowie on January 8, 1947. Bowie, b...
-
851
Places of interest Hidden gem
Statue of Richard I of England
The Statue of Richard I of England, often called Richard the Lionheart, stands prominently outside the Palace of Westmin...
-
852
Temples Hidden gem
St John's Wood Church
St John's Wood Church is a Grade II* listed parish church built between 1813 and 1814 to accommodate the growing populat...
-
853
Museums Hidden gem
House of Dreams Museum
The House of Dreams Museum is an immersive art environment created by British artist Stephen Wright within his personal...
-
854
Museums Hidden gem
Menier Gallery
The Menier Gallery is a contemporary exhibition space housed within the historic former Menier Chocolate Factory in Lond...
-
855
Historical places Hidden gem
The Beaufoy Institute
The Beaufoy Institute is a Grade II listed building in Lambeth, London, designed by the architect A.N. Prentice and comp...
-
856
Historical places Hidden gem
Sturt's Lock
Sturt's Lock is a significant historical lock located on the Regent's Canal in the London Borough of Islington. It serve...
-
857
Museums Hidden gem
The Brick Lane Gallery
The Brick Lane Gallery is a contemporary art exhibition space situated in the heart of East London. It maintains a rotat...
-
858
Historical places Hidden gem
Hyde Park Holocaust Memorial
The Hyde Park Holocaust Memorial is the UK's first national memorial dedicated to the victims of the Holocaust. Designed...
-
859
Historical places Hidden gem
Crimea and Indian Mutiny memorial
The Crimea and Indian Mutiny memorial is located on The Sanctuary in London, positioned just outside the grounds of West...
-
860
Museums Hidden gem
ZHA Gallery
The ZHA Gallery serves as the dedicated exhibition space for the work of Zaha Hadid Architects. Located in Clerkenwell,...
-
861
Temples Hidden gem
Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Brixton
Corpus Christi Catholic Church on Trent Road in Brixton Hill is a prominent Roman Catholic parish church in south London...
-
862
Temples Hidden gem
St Peter’s Barge
St Peter’s Barge is a purpose-converted Dutch sailing barge permanently moored in London's West India Quay that serves a...
-
863
Historical places Hidden gem
Old Ford Lock (19)
Old Ford Lock is a functional lock on the River Lee Navigation located in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. It serves...
-
864
Historical places Hidden gem
New Zealand War Memorial
The New Zealand War Memorial at Hyde Park Corner consists of sixteen bronze 'std' (standard) beams arranged in a double...
-
865
Places of interest Hidden gem
Millicent Garrett Fawcett
The Millicent Garrett Fawcett statue stands in Parliament Square, London, commemorating the leader of the National Union...
-
866
Temples Hidden gem
St Mary's Church, Rotherhithe
St Mary's Church, Rotherhithe is a historic Anglican parish church located on the south bank of the River Thames in Lond...
-
867
Temples Hidden gem
St Margaret Pattens Eastcheap
St Margaret Pattens is one of the few surviving City of London churches designed by Sir Christopher Wren after the Great...
-
868
Temples Hidden gem
St Margaret Lothbury
St Margaret Lothbury is a Grade I listed Anglican church located in the heart of the City of London financial district....
-
869
Temples Hidden gem
IMPRINT Church London: St Mary Woolnoth
IMPRINT Church London currently holds its services inside the historic building of St Mary Woolnoth in the heart of Lond...
-
870
Temples Hidden gem
St Bartholomew the Less
St Bartholomew the Less is a small, historical Anglican parish church located within the precinct of St Bartholomew's Ho...
Explore by category
Jump straight to what you're into.
London on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Frequently asked
How many attractions are there in London?
Aventuro lists 2,234 curated attractions in and around London, sorted by popularity.
What's the top attraction in London?
Tower Bridge is the most popular place to visit in London right now.
What kind of attractions does London have?
The largest category is temples, with 664 places to explore.
Which other cities are worth visiting nearby?
Travellers also explore North Kensington, Manchester, Birmingham.
Explore more of United Kingdom
Other cities ranked by number of curated places.
