Top 10+ Things to Do in London for First Time Visitors - Must See & Do Attractions

By Casey Makovich

Looking for some of the top things to do in London? We've rounded up some of the most popular attractions and things to do so you can make the most of your trip and pack your sightseeing list with the best. Our list includes:

  • The Coca-Cola London Eye
  • Madame Tussauds London
  • Wembley Stadium Tour
  • The British Museum
  • The London Dungeon
  • And lots more...

Save on Admission to Top Things to Do in London

Many of these top things to do in London are included on the London Explorer Pass®. Make your own sightseeing itinerary and choose as you go from lots of top London attractions and things to do and save up to 35% off combined admission vs. paying at the gate. See all available passes, attractions, and prices - learn more. Looking for more structured itinerary ideas to follow? Then check out our popular One Day in London or 3 days in London itinerary for first-time visitors.

The Coca-Cola London Eye

Image of City, Cityscape, Urban, Outdoors, Person, Metropolis, Nature, Take a spin on London's most popular attraction, the Coca-Cola London Eye (also known as the Millennium Wheel), for an unbeatable bird's-eye-view of the city. You'll get 360-degree views of London from the top at 443 feet above ground level atop Europe's tallest observation wheel and each pod features interactive tablets that lend more information and details about the landmarks you'll see during your spin around the wheel. Looking for some more of the best places to take photos in London? Check out our blog on other famous London landmarks to visit during your trip. Insider tip: plan to get there right when it opens (usually at 10:00 am) to avoid large crowds. Getting In: Coca-Cola London Eye tickets are available on the London Explorer Pass.

Madame Tussauds London

Image of Lady, Person, Accessories, Jewelry, Necklace, Adult, Bride, Female, Woman, Visit the original wax museum that started it all – Madame Tussauds London. This amazing museum combines the art of wax sculpture with British celebrity culture for an experience that's completely unique to London. Visitors can see their favorite celebs and snap photos with famous historical figures, like Her Majesty the Queen of England and other members of the Royal Family, Benedict Cumberbatch, Cara Delevigne, Muhammad Ali, and more. You can even get up close to two of Britain's most popular vloggers, Zoe Sugg and Alfie Deyes. Getting In: Madame Tussauds London tickets are available on the London Explorer Pass.

SEA LIFE London Aquarium

Image of Boy, Male, Person, Teen, Animal, Sea Life, Octopus, Situated on London’s trendy South Bank, SEA LIFE Aquarium is London's largest aquarium and home to a large variety of sea life, including sharks, octopi, colorful fish, turtles, penguins, and more. Don't forget to look up when you go through the underwater tunnel, Shark Walk, in the Pacific Ocean tank that takes you underwater with views of sharks swimming around overhead. This is a great place to visit with kids. Want some more ideas? Check out our blog on other things to do in London with kids. Getting In: SEA LIFE London Aquarium tickets are available on the London Explorer Pass.

DreamWorks Tours: Shrek’s Adventure!

Image of People, Person, Child, Female, Girl, Adult, Male, Man, Fans of the Shrek movie franchise will have a blast experiencing the themes, characters, and adventures in a new way with this 4D experience. This 75-minute 4D bus ride will take you through 10 live fairytale themed shows with captivating special effects. You'll see all your favorite characters from Shrek including other figures from the Dreamworks Universe, making this a pretty comprehensive encounter with your kids’ favorite characters like Po from Kung Fu Panda, the penguins from Madagascar, and the characters from How to Train Your Dragon. Getting In: DreamWorks Tours: Shrek's Adventure London tickets are available on the London Explorer Pass.

The London Dungeon

Image of Adult, Male, Man, Person, Handbag, Chair, Female, Woman, Keyboard, Musical Instrument, Piano, The London Dungeon is notorious for its more-than-slightly terrifying interactive experience. Costumed actors recreate gory historical events with 18 different shows that highlight some of the darker moments of London's history. An unbelievable mixture of special effects and illusions make this one of the most popular attractions in London. Getting In: The London Dungeon tickets are available on the London Explorer Pass.

London Eye River Cruise

Image of Boat, Vehicle, Water, Waterfront, Person, Ferry, See London from the River Thames on a relaxing, fully narrated 40-minute sightseeing cruise. You'll cruise along the Thames, which runs right through the middle of London, and get views of iconic sights along London’s skyline like Big Ben, the Tower of London, Houses of Parliament, the Coca-Cola London Eye, and more. Getting In: London Eye River Cruise tickets are available on the London Explorer Pass.

Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus London Tours

Image of People, Person, City, Boy, Male, Teen, Glasses, Face, Head, Adult, Female, Woman, Man, Girl, Urban, Necklace, Hat, Chair, One of the best ways to get around and make sure you see all of the top sights is a narrated sightseeing bus tour. You'll have the flexibility to hop-on or off at any of the over 50 included stops. Use it to plan your attraction visiting itinerary, or stay on for the entire loop for a comprehensive tour. Popular stops along the way include:

  • Hyde Park Corner
  • Piccadilly Market
  • Trafalgar Square
  • The Coca-Cola London Eye
  • St. Paul's Cathedral
  • London Bridge
  • Parliament Square
  • Buckingham Palace
  • And more

Getting In: Hop-On Hop-Off London Sightseeing Tour tickets are available on the London Explorer Pass.

Wembley Stadium Tour

Image of Adult, Male, Man, Person, Hat, Nothing draws a crowd in London like a football match. Sports fans will want to visit Wembley Stadium – the most famous stadium in the world and home to the English soccer team for a fully-guided tour. You'll get access to areas of the Stadium not open to the public, like the Player's Tunnel, English changing rooms, press conference room, and more. Your guide will walk you through historic moments that took place on the field you'll even get a chance to see a realistic replica of the FA Cup. Getting In: Wembley Stadium Tour tickets are available on the London Explorer Pass.

TV & Movie Walking Tours

Image of City, Road, Street, Urban, Downtown, People, Person, Coat, Path, Sidewalk, Metropolis, Walking, Take a guided stroll around London to see the real life sights from your favorite British TV shows and movies, like Doctor Who, the James Bond movies, and Sherlock Holmes. You'll get to see iconic sights where the shows have been filmed and get to check off some iconic landmarks and famous London neighborhoods, too. Getting In: A number of some of the Best London Walking Tours are available on the London Explorer Pass.

Fat Tire Bike Tours of London

Image of People, Person, Female, Girl, Teen, Camera, Shoe, Adult, Woman, Bicycle, Vehicle, Handbag, Cycling, Go to the places in London the tour buses can't and get in a little exercise on a London bike tour. This guided biking excursion takes you to some of the most popular sights throughout London, including: the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, the Royal Parks, Kensington Palace, Trafalgar Square, and more while expert guides fill you in on the history of each site. Bike tours are one of the best ways to get to know the city and experience London like a local. Getting In: Fat Tire bike Tours of London are available on the London Explorer Pass.

St. Paul’s Cathedral

Image of Person, Adult, Male, Man, Church, Car, Designed in 1710 by one of the most famous architects of the time, Sir Christopher Wren, St. Paul's Cathedral remains one of the most iconic architectural structures in London with its notable dome and surrounding spires. Serving as the seat of the Anglican Church in England, there's a lot of history behind St. Paul's Cathedral. Take a self-guided tour with one of the multimedia tablets provided or plan your visit around the daily scheduled tours (subject to availability). You'll get to climb up the 528 steps to the top of the dome for sweeping views of London, including the River Thames, Tate Modern, and Shakespeare's Globe Theatre. Getting In: St. Paul's Cathedral tickets are available on the London Explorer Pass.

The Sky Garden

Image of Furniture, Indoors, Lounge, Airport, Person, Handbag, The Sky Garden is a lush, indoor garden open to the public with three stories of perfectly landscaped greenspaces and floor-to-ceiling 360-degree views of the city. Getting In: Admission is free but you do need to book your free tickets about three days in advance with a time slot to visit. Tickets are available three weeks in advance and can be booked up to an hour before you go, depending on availability.

The Royal Parks

London has one of the highest values of green space per capita in the world. With 47% of of London classified as green space, it's hard to ignore the thousands of green spaces and parks scattered throughout the city. Make the most of the very green city and plan to spend some time getting to know London's greener half. Locals love to stroll, picnic, relax, play games, and more in these lovely spaces, so you'll certainly fit right in. Pack a picnic and head to Hyde Park, near Kensington Palace or Green Park near Buckingham Palace. Or, explore the beautiful grounds of Notting Hill, one of the more upscale areas of the city. Getting In: Admission to the Royal Parks are free.

Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre

Image of City, Road, Street, Urban, Bench, Hotel, Neighborhood, Person, House, Housing, Villa, Image credit: Old Globe Theater Facebook page.
The original Globe Theatre was built by William Shakespeare's playing company, the Lord Chamberlain's Men, in the late sixteenth century but was destroyed in a fire in 1613. A reconstruction of the theatre was built on the same site in 1614 but was later closed in 1642 due to a ban on theatrical performance and spectating. The current structure, called "Shakespeare's Globe" was built in 1997 and stands as a testament to the importance of the theatre industry and to one of its most playwrights, William Shakespeare. Getting In: Admission to Shakespeare's Globe Theatre is not available on the London Explorer Pass.

King’s Cross Railway Station

Image of Adult, Male, Man, Person, Shoe, Harry Potter fans will know it as the home of Platform 9-3/4, where you can get a picture of yourself pushing your luggage cart through the brick wall. "Best to do it at a bit of a run." - Mrs. Weasley. Certainly one of the most popular things to do in London for Harry Potter fans. Other than platform 9-3/4, there's lots to see at King's Cross, look up at the intricate ceilings and admire the architecture, or hop on a train and take a trip to nearby destinations like Yorkshire or Scotland. Getting In: There is no ticketed admission to visit the King's Cross Railway Station.

British Museum

Dedicated to documenting the history of human culture, the British Museum is one of the largest and most comprehensive museums of its kind with over 8 million works and artifacts on display, perhaps most famously, the Rosetta Stone. Free guided tours are offered daily or you can choose to take an audio tour with a headset full of pre-recorded expert commentaries that coincide with the exhibits. Getting In: Admission to the British Museum is free.

Abbey Road

Image of Road, Tarmac, City, Street, Urban, Zebra Crossing, Truck, Vehicle, Person, Car, By Sander Lamme (Own work) [CC BY 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Snap an iconic tourist photo of you and your crew crossing the famous crosswalk (in London referred to as a "zebra crossing") on Abbey Road. Most recognizable from the album cover of Abbey Road, by The Beatles, it's also home to Abbey Road Studios, formerly EMI, a recording studio. Submit your photo to abbeyroadcrossing.com and you could be featured on their site! Just be careful when crossing, it's actually a pretty busy road! Getting In: There is no ticketed admission to visit this location.

Remember to Save on Admission

There you have it. Our list of some of the most popular and top things to do in London for your upcoming trip. Whether you're in London for a couple of days or a couple of weeks, the London Explorer Pass is a great way to see the city and save up to 35% on top things to do in London. Plan to visit some of these top attractions during your trip. Whether you are traveling with young kids, teens, or just adults, we're sure you and your family will have a great time.

Continue reading

Kew
Blog

3 Days in London – The Perfect Itinerary

Spending three days in London is an exciting prospect for anyone lucky enough to visit. But choosing what to see and do is a challenge when you consider just how many amazing attractions London town has to offer. On the one hand, there’s a dizzying range of essential sights like Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London. On the other, there’s endless fun to be had in the city streets, stuffed with delicious restaurants, must-see museums and world-class theatres. There’s also many a hidden wonder to dig out and explore, from peaceful parks and stately homes. It could easily take you a lifetime to take it all in. But for those of you with only three days at your disposal, don’t fear. We’ve got you covered with our super-sweet capsule guide to the perfect three-day itinerary. 3 days in London - our must-see sights: Houses of Parliament & Big Ben Buckingham Palace River Thames Cruise The Greenwich Observatory & Cutty Sark Curzon Soho Kew Gardens Hampton Court Palace Day 1 – historic London landmarks Houses of Parliament Your first-stop sight should be the imposing Palace of Westminster, an instantly recognisable building that will take your breath away. Big Ben, its grand Gothic clocktower is perhaps its most famous feature, best viewed in the subtle morning light from the scenic viewpoint of Westminster Bridge. If you’re lucky enough, you’ll see it on a cloudless sunny day where you can take postcard-perfect pictures of the building as the sun turns it a mellow shade of yellow-gold. Perfect for that Insta-worthy snap! Buckingham Palace and Banqueting House From Westminster Bridge, head along Birdcage Walk with St James’s Park on your right and you’ll be rewarded with views of Buckingham Palace - a magnificent façade complete with grand neoclassical columns. The opulent State Rooms are also open to visitors for 10 weeks each summer, so check these out if you can. Nearby, in London’s Whitehall, don’t miss Banqueting House, another extravagant architectural gem featuring a spectacular oil-painted ceiling of Royal figures being carried to heaven. Day 2 – on the river Thames River Cruise After this action-packed day, you’ll need a well-deserved break and the River Thames offers the perfect sanctuary. A hop-on, hop-off Thames River Cruise is a great way to take in the river’s landmark sights while travelling at a more leisurely pace. If you hop on at the Westminster pier, you can drift down the river past world-renowned landmarks like Tower Bridge, a Victorian masterpiece and the famous Tower of London fortress. Exit at Tower Pier to explore these attractions or continue to Greenwich Pier for a welcome breather from the hustle and bustle of inner-city London. Greenwich Observatory When you land at Greenwich, you’ll be instantly seduced by a comparatively tranquil vibe. Explore the manicured green spaces at the peaceful Greenwich park, or grab a coffee in one of the cute independent cafes at the quaint but bustling Greenwich market. Next, head over to the Royal Observatory Greenwich, the home of Greenwich Mean Time, where astronomy and science come to life through permanent exhibitions at this historic venue. Learn how time was standardized, how the first telescope was created and how science and astronomy have changed across the ages. While in the area, you should also stop by the Cutty Sark, a stunningly well-preserved 19th-century tea clipper that was built to carry tea all the way from China to England. Board the boat and tour the sailor’s quarters while enjoying beautiful views up and down the Thames – the perfect way to round-off a laid-back day by the river. Day 3 – offbeat attractions Use your final day as a chance to take in some of London’s less explored attractions that aren’t always on the standard tourist trail. Broaden your horizons by looking to locations on the outskirts of the city, like Hampton Court Palace and Kew Gardens, both free to enter with the Go London pass. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew This unusual UNESCO World Heritage Site in South West London is an absolute joy to explore. Discover an exotic wonderland of plants from around the world across 121 hectares of landscaped gardens. The Palm House greenhouse, built in 1884, is a real highlight. Containing a diverse abundance of tropical plant species including orchids, cocoa palms and rubber trees, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into the depths of the Amazon. You might need a cool-down after, so head to the Pavilion Bar and Grill for some much-needed refreshments with a fine view – located in the heart of Kew’s Arboretum, you can sit outside among the trees while enjoying a glimpse of the garden’s fantastic Great Pagoda in the background. Hampton Court Palace If grandiose stately homes are more your thing, then the Hampton Court Palace should suffice. Also located in South West London, this magnificent Tudor mansion will transport you to the medieval times of King Henry VIII. This palace was his favorite royal hangout and you can see why when you tour the breathtaking interiors replete with priceless paintings, fine tapestries and gold just about everywhere. You can also see the exquisitely designed gardens while getting lost in the palace’s world-famous hedge maze. Curzon Soho All this adventure could leave you a little exhausted. But the Curzon Soho cinema in London’s West End is a perfect place to wind down your day in style. This edgy avant-garde cinema has a quirky and informal vibe that’s just perfect for a peaceful end to a long day of sightseeing. Catch an independent film at one of its three cinema screens, or lounge at its breezy underground bar, or cool café, where you can gorge on artisan pastries or yummy small plates. It really is the ideal haven to complete your busy three-day London tour. Save on London attractions year-round Whenever you’re making your trip to London, be sure to bring a Go London pass with you. Save on admission to the city’s best attractions. With something that’s perfect for any time of year, we’re sure you’ll make the most of this money-saving pass. Share Your Adventure with Us Tag @GoCity in your holiday photos and we’ll feature you on our page. Follow the Go City Instagram and Facebook pages for competitions, special offers, events and inspiration.
Lee Dales
Blog

2 Days in London - A Weekend in London Itinerary You'll Love

One of the world's most vibrant and thriving capital cities, London is a first-rate global town, offering up an intoxicating mix of history and modernity for tourists. London leads the world in areas of the arts, education, entertainment, commerce, fashion, media, transportation, and tourism. For centuries London has been home to some of the planet's most well-known faces and leaders, not to mention a popular monarchy recognized and adored the world over. When combined with hundreds of interesting sites and attractions, iconic landmarks, distinctive neighborhoods, a large airport and travel network, and a variety of hotels to explore, London is a top choice for any traveler. It is one of the most diverse cities in the world both culturally and physically. More than 300 languages are spoken in London by its melting pot of citizens. While the city possesses a rich past, with multiple World Heritage Sites and other renowned monuments to delight visitors. The city is especially exciting for first-time travelers, from the awe-inspiring the silhouette of Big Ben standing tall amidst the Houses of Parliament, to the swans gracefully swimming by in Hyde Park's ponds, to the majesty of Windsor Castle, Queen Elizabeth's royal residence. We've highlighted some of London's must-see attractions and activities that any first-time visitor can incorporate into an easy to follow 2 days in London weekend itinerary. This weekend itinerary includes: Enjoy a full English breakfast Big Bus London Sightseeing Tour St. Paul's Cathedral The Royal Oak Pub Coca-Cola London Eye James Bond Walking Tour We’ve also put together a 1 day and 3 day London itinerary, - for an amazing and relaxing vacation. Save on Attraction Admission Pick up a London Explorer Pass® and save off combined admission vs paying at the gate. Remember, this 2 days in London itinerary is just one of many ways to experience this amazing city. The London Explorer Pass® gives you the flexibility to create your own itinerary, so you can choose from tons of top attractions and create a weekend trip tailored to your interests. Day 1Full English Breakfast By Jrv73 (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia CommonsGet an early start on day one with a hearty English breakfast. Filling up on this British specialty of eggs, bacon, sausages, roasted tomatoes, fried mushrooms, baked beans, black pudding, hash browns, toast and tea of coffee is a right of passage for any proper tourist to the United Kingdom. This belt-busting meal will fill you up for a long day of sightseeing and exploring. Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus London Tour The best way to get to know London and to help you navigate around the city for the next few days is to see it from the streets. Use your London Explorer Pass for a one-day Big Bus London Hop-On Hop-Off Tour. Riding the bus gives you a prime spot to see and learn about the city's history, culture, and way of life. You can choose when and where to hop on or off your bus tour at any point, taking in the delights of the capital at your own pace. An informative and entertaining tour guide will explain your journey throughout as you sit back and enjoy the bird's eye view from the comfort of an open top bus. With more than 50 stops included on the journey and buses running every five to 15 minutes, you can really explore as much or as little as you like. Check-off London's most famous sites from your must see list as your bus glides past Piccadilly Circus, otherwise known as London's Times Square, or ride across London Bridge that stands over the winding Thames River, or zip over to the gates of Buckingham Palace to see if the Queen is around. Your bus tour will also take you past Trafalgar Square, Hyde Park Corner, St. Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament. You won't want to forget your camera this day. Your Big Bus London Bus Tour also includes a free cruise ticket along the River Thames and a free guided walking tour. Your free river cruise, provides a narrated tour along the water from Westminster Pier to the Tower of London. While your walking tour follows the history of Royal London, from St. James Palace and Buckingham Palace, to a path highlighting some of the most famous locations from the Harry Potter books and movies. Getting In: Hop On Hop Off Big Bus London tickets are available on the London Explorer Pass. St. Paul's Cathedral St. Paul's Cathedral offers a golden opportunity to hop-off the bus for a glimpse at one of the London skyline's most recognized features. You can view the intricacies of the Cathedral floor and then observe the crypts and tombs that house some of England's most famous people, from the Duke of Wellington to Lord Admiral Nelson, along with memorials to Florence Nightingale, Lawrence of Arabia, and William Blake. You'll also be able to visit the three galleries: Whispering Gallery, Stone Gallery, and Golden Gallery, which are housed in St. Paul's dome with panoramic views over the city. If you prefer, scheduling a guided tour will also allow you to visit the Geometric Staircase, the Chapel of St. Michael and St. George and the Quire, which are usually closed to much of the public. Getting In: St. Paul's Cathedral tickets are available on the London Explorer Pass. The Royal Oak Pub Finish your first successful day in London with a meal at a traditional British neighborhood pub. The Royal Oak, located in the heart of the city, near to Westminster, was built in the 1800s and retains its historical influence on the area. Indulge in their English comfort food, such as a fish and chips, and wash it all down with a classically British pint of Young's beer. You can use your pass to redeem for a meal at the pub, before you get some rest for day two in London. Getting In: meal at The Royal Oak Pub is available on the London Explorer Pass. Day 2Coca-Cola London Eye Day two begins with sweeping views over the city of London from the top of the Coca-Cola London Eye observation wheel. Enter your glass-walled compartment and enjoy the stunning 360-degree vista, from 135-meters above. You'll be able to spot Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Royal Albert Hall, Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, the Shard, St. Paul's Cathedral, and the Rover Thames, among so many other landmarks. Onboard touch screens provide up to the minute information on what iconic sights you're passing and what to look out for. Once you're back on solid ground you can enjoy the Coca-Cola London Eye 4D Experience which provides a multi-sensory trip through the city. Getting In: Coca-Cola London Eye tickets are available on the London Explorer Pass. Sea Life London Aquarium It is a hop, skip and a jump from the London Eye to the Sea Life Aquarium at London Southbank. Here, you can travel to the depths of the oceans as you explore an underwater world of fish and other marine life, from sharks to penguins. You can even come face-to-face with a polar bear at the Frozen Planet exhibit. Getting In: SEA LIFE London Aquarium tickets are available on the London Explorer Pass. James Bond Walking Tour Cap off your two days in London itinerary with a tour set from the point of view of one of the city's most famous fictional characters: James Bond. Walk in the footsteps of 007 on this two-hour tour. You'll finally get to experience Westminster and the Houses of Parliament from the ground, as you pass by memorable scenes from the Bond films. Relive the excitement of For Your Eyes Only, Skyfall, Spectre, or Die Another Day as you visit the National Gallery, Whitehall, Mi5 and Mi6, and other shooting locations. Getting In: James Bond Walking Tour tickets are available on the London Explorer Pass. Let’s Recap So there’s a sample for a perfectly fun weekend in London – tours, museums, and much more. This itinerary for 2 days in London will introduce you to the best of city and give you a taste of what it’s like to experience this world-class tourist destination. Purchase a London Explorer Pass® and save on combined admission prices when you hop aboard an interactive GoCar Tour, use the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, explore the California Academy of Sciences, and visit the amazing SFMOMA.
Lindsay Eagan
Fireworks over Tower Bridge in London
Blog

New Year's Eve in London

New Year’s Eve in London? Keep your feet warm and the party vibes hot with this list of museums, attractions and venues for the big night!
Karleen Stevens

Have a 5% discount, on us!

Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, trip inspiration and attraction updates straight to your inbox.

Thick check Icon