Woman standing on Westminster Bridge in London

10+ Things to Do in London for Adults During Your Vacation (Ideas for Couples & Groups of Friends)

By Katie Sagal

London is one of the most fantastic, global cities in the world. It’s filled with top attractions and significant historical structures, plus some of the best dining and shopping opportunities you’ll find anywhere. Whether you’re interested in exploring the expansive history of London’s churches and buildings, or if you prefer the appeal of modern attractions, you’ll be able to enjoy a full itinerary of London activities on your next trip. If you’re looking for things to do in London for adults, check out our list of the top activities that couples and groups of friends will enjoy, including...

  • Lastminute.com London Eye
  • Madame Tussauds London
  • Hop-On Hop-Off London Bus Tour
  • St. Paul’s Cathedral
  • The London Dungeon
  • Changing of the Guard Walking Tour
  • River Thames Cruises
  • Explore the Royal Parks
  • and more...

Save on Admission to Popular Adult Attractions

Regular admission to a number of these attractions are available on Go City's London Explorer and All-Inclusive passes. Choose as you go from top London activities and save up to 50% off combined admission vs paying at the gate. See all available passes and London-based attractions.

The Lastminute.com London Eye

Lastminute.com London Eye

Take a ride to the top of the world’s most famous observation wheel. The London Eye is not just a signature element of the London skyline – it’s also a fun activity for any new visitor to London. See the River Thames and all the iconic buildings clustered along its banks. It’s the perfect opportunity to get those amazing aerial photos that look just like postcards!

Getting In: admission to the Lastminute.com London Eye is available with London Explorer and All-Inclusive passes.

Madame Tussauds London

Fans of celebrity culture – including the Royal Family – will love a visit to the original Madame Tussauds. It’s where the global phenomenon first began, so a visit here will teach you all about the history of the original Madame T, including her techniques and inspiration. Plus, there’s no other way to actually meet the King (unless you’re super famous yourself, that is!). Getting In: Madame Tussauds London admission is included with an All-Inclusive Pass.

St Paul's Cathedral viewed across the River Thames

Hop-on Hop-off London Bus Tour

New to the city? Try out a London Bus Tour to explore the many diverse neighborhoods and regions of this bustling metropolis. It can be really difficult to navigate your way around the city on your own, especially without a local’s knowledge of where to find what. Fortunately, a guided bus tour is a great way to see the city without worrying about the hassle of directions. It’s also an iconic London attraction – those double-decker buses just scream Britain! A hop-on hop-off option is perfect for those travelers who like to pick and choose on the go, too. Getting In: Big Bus London admission is available with all London passes.

St. Paul’s Cathedral

Pay a visit to one of the most beautiful and historic churches in all of England. Its instantly recognizable dome is just the beginning: the interior is gorgeously decorated, from the Cathedral floor to the crypts to the three major galleries housed within the dome. Join up with a guided walking tour to see the areas not typically open to the public. Or, if you have less time, take a shortened, self-guided tour. Getting In: admission to St. Paul’s Cathedral is included on all London passes.

Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace

The London Dungeon

This is one moderately scary and delightfully campy attraction. See a millennia of history brought to life in terrifying and enjoyable ways, as you glide past 19 live shows. See the plague-ridden streets of the early modern period, shudder at what might have been with Guy Fawkes’ Gunpowder Plot, and look behind you at every turn through Jack the Ripper’s Whitechapel. End it all with a visit to the Tavern, a delightful Victorian pub experience which serves up tasty (modern) beer. Getting In: The London Dungeon admission is included with the Explorer Pass.

Changing of the Guard Walking Tour

We’ve all seen those iconic London palace guards on television as they perform their perfectly synchronized movements. Now’s your chance to tour the city and see the several different companies performing their “changing of the guard,” a rare sight. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy photo opportunities of other major landmarks along the way, including Westminster Abbey, St. James’ Place, and Buckingham Palace. Getting In: the Changing of the Guard Walking Tour is included on all London passes.

Tiger at London Zoo

Animal Attractions

There is much to enjoy in London for animal lovers, whether you prefer critters from land or from the sea. SEA LIFE Aquarium escorts you on a magical journey throughout the waters of the world, with multiple massive tanks that will make you feel just like you’re strolling at the bottom of the ocean. Getting In: SEA LIFE London Aquarium is availavle with the Explorer Pass and London Zoo admission is on all passes.

River Thames Cruise

Hop aboard this enjoyable cruise for a unique chance at sightseeing along the River Thames. You’ll learn all about London’s most significant landmarks, like Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Tower Bridge, the Greenwich Observatory and more. It’s also the perfect time to snap some of memorable photos of your trip. There are four disembarkation points on the route from Westminster to Greenwich and you can hop on and off as many times as you like withing a 24-hour period. Getting In: the City Cruises Thames River Pass is available with the Explorer Pass.

Kew Gardens

Explore the Royal Parks

If you’re a nature lover, you’ve come to the right place. London is one of the most diverse major cities in the world when it comes to green spaces and botanical gardens. Looking to stroll around, toss a Frisbee, or have a picnic? Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, or St. James’s Park are great options. Prefer to see a collection of exotic plants and domestic ones side by side? The Royal Gardens at Kew are an absolutely fabulous must-see attraction. Getting In: admission to Kew Gardens is available on all passes; many other London parks and gardens are free to explore.

London Shopping

Whether you’re looking for souvenirs or just love to shop, London is the right destination for you. With a wide variety of shops from the high end to fast fashion, you’ll be able to find what you’re looking for at practically any price point. For some of the best shopping in London, head to Oxford Street, where you’ll find the famous Selfridges, as well as favorites Top Shop and Primark. Got a massive budget? Bond Street and Mayfair are the areas where you’ll find high-end luxury goods. Bargain hunting or looking for something unique? Try out Covent Garden.

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Fireworks over Tower Bridge in London
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New Year's Eve in London

Christmas may be over, but that’s no reason to leave town! London is a fantastic place to ring in the new year, despite the fact that it’s dark by afternoon tea time. It’ll be pretty chilly – average temperatures at new year’s hover around the mid-40s during the day and frequently dip into the 30s overnight, so pack your thermals and some waterproof shoes. Once you’ve got all your layers on, though, there’s no reason to stay huddled inside – even on New Year’s Eve, London has plenty to do that makes the most of the daylight hours and keeps the party vibes going well into the night. Some of these include: London Zoo River cruises and bus tours Winter markets Cozy pubs The Tower of London The O2 Museums Street parties Talk to the animals What better way to spend the day than to rug up and visit the residents at London Zoo in Regent’s Park? Some of the animals may be hibernating, but it’s still worth a visit as others will be more active in the cooler weather, and some – like the penguins – won’t notice it at all. If the conditions are leaving a bit to be desired, there are plenty of indoor enclosures – just keep in mind that the zoo will be operating on winter hours, and last entry is usually an hour before closing. Enjoy the scenic route Take refuge from the elements on a climate controlled Big Bus and keep your feet nice and dry! This is a perfect option if you’re new to this great capital, as it will give you a decent tour of the city and allow you to hop on and off for the rest of the day. Stops include the Tower of London, Westminster, Buckingham Palace and Trafalgar Square, all of which will still be decked out in festive finery. If you’re an old hand, or just fancy a different perspective, perhaps try a river cruise instead. Sit back in the warmth as you travel from Westminster Pier under the iconic Tower Bridge to the Cutty Sark at Greenwich, perhaps with a bubbly beverage in honor of the occasion. Get your skates on Zooming around an ice rink is one of winter’s best outdoor activities (after making snow angels, of course), and most of London’s outdoor markets keep going until early January, so it’s the perfect opportunity to blow away the cobwebs and get some color in your cheeks. Hyde Park’s rink is enclosed by the Winter Wonderland, which is basically an enormous Christmas theme park, the Queen’s House in Greenwich has one (opposite the Royal Naval College), as do Canary Wharf, Somerset House and Battersea Power Station. On the other hand, if you need an escape from the city try Hampton Court Palace, where you can also tour the sumptuous rooms and gardens of Henry VIII’s favorite holiday home. Warm up with the locals Nothing beats away the winter blues better than a roaring fire and a warming beverage – unless it’s enjoying those things with good company, of course. Retreating to a pub has been a favorite pastime of the Londoner for eons past, and who are we to argue with the experts? There are plenty of cozy and historic options, from the tiny ‘Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese’, squeezed into an alleyway on Fleet Street, to the Ten Bells in Spitalfields, famously associated with Jack the Ripper. Or, if the profusion of wooden market stalls and gingerbread hearts around the city has got you in the mood for German delicacies, go for a beer and a pretzel at the Bavarian-themed Bermondsey Bierkeller. March back in time The medieval Tower of London on the banks of the Thames is a great place to while away the daylight hours on New Year’s Eve, especially if you’ve got little ones who need to let off some steam. They can run around the castle grounds, explore towers, climb staircases and march along the battlements, which will all still be decorated for the holidays. While you’re here, be sure to join a Beefeater tour, have a look at the glittering collection of crown jewels and try and spot the famous ravens of the tower. Get a higher perspective Sometimes, London is blessed with a bright, crisp winter’s day, with the sun blazing down and clear views for miles around. If that happens on New Year’s Eve, what better thing to do than to climb the east end’s highest vantage point to watch the sun set over the city and another year? Head to the O2 in Greenwich and get the adrenalin pumping as you climb to the top. Once you’re there, watch as the sky turns dark and all the lights come out, then head back into the city for the evening’s celebrations. Be a culture vulture If you’re only in London for a few days, it would be a shame not to take in a bit of culture while you’re he - not to mention that London’s museums are great places to take refuge from the weather. There are loads to choose from, so even if it’s not your first visit you should find something new. There’s the National Gallery, the Natural History Museum, the V&A, the British Museum, the Tate and the Tate Modern, the London Transport Museum, the Garden Museum, the Royal Air Force Museum and the Museum of London – just to name a few. Or, if you’re in a more speculative mood, Westminster Abbey is a moving and peaceful place to wander for an hour or two, especially if you’re there for the evensong service. Take to the streets Clubs and bars will try and keep you indoors, but really New Year’s Eve in London is all about the midnight fireworks display on the Thames. The riverbanks – usually from Victoria Embankment to Westminster Bridge – are roped off and only ticket holders are allowed in, however you can get a good view from plenty of rooftop bars in the area (the best one being the Shard) or from boat parties on the water. Many restaurants will have special dinner and party events, and after the show the clubs keep raving until the early hours – for the best vibes, look for places in Camden, Soho, Temple or the West End. Whatever option you choose, be sure to book ahead, as most places likely won’t accept walk-ins on the night. Celebrate with Go City The countdown is on for a good time in London! Make sure you grab your Go City Explorer Pass before you go and save on dozens of great winter attractions around the city.
Karleen Stevens
A view of the Thames including Tower Bridge and The Shard
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Things to do in London during the day

There are so many potential things to do in London during the day that it can actually be quite difficult to know where to start. What’s hot, and what’s not? What’s worth your time – and money – and what isn’t? If you’re feeling dazed by the sheer array of days out in London you can fill with exciting attractions, you’ll want to take note of our suggestions for the perfect day in and around the River Thames. Top tips for enjoying London during the day Before we delve into the delights of all the things to do in London during the day, here are a few top tips that will help you make the most of your time in the capital. Have a lie in If you’re anything like us, the temptation after arriving into a new city is to wake up as early as possible to squeeze in as many attractions as you can. But for all London’s hustle and bustle, many popular attractions don’t open their doors until 10AM. Arrive any earlier than this, and you’ll not only be left hanging around outside, but you’ll also end up traveling during the morning rush hour. Lasting from 7:30 – 9AM, it's not many people’s idea of a fun way to start the day. Public transportation is often uncomfortably crowded as people head to work, and you’ll be paying more for the privilege. Instead, enjoy a relaxed breakfast and kick off your day the right way. Maps aren’t just for atlases It can seem like you only have to walk a few steps before stumbling upon a noteworthy feature on the London skyline. Whilst many attractions are within walking distance of one another, many are much further apart. Don’t forget that London is one of Europe’s biggest cities. It’s therefore a good idea to have a vague understanding of where attractions are located. Dividing them between west, central and east London will suffice. Bring a reusable water bottle Concerns about single-use plastics are resulting in free water fountains popping up all over London. Many cafés will also refill a bottle for free, so save your cash for what really matters by bringing a reusable water bottle with you. They can also be a godsend when using the Tube in the summer. The best things to do in London during the day If you’re thinking about what to do with your time in London, you’re in for a treat! Although you can tackle the capital in any way you fancy, we’ve come up with what we think might be the very best day the capital has to offer. Spend the morning in east London Start your exploration of the capital with your head in the clouds at the ArcelorMittal Orbit tower, standing at the southern end of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Relive the iconic moments from the 2012 Summer Olympics at the park’s famed venues, before rising to the top of the twisting structure – Britain’s largest artwork. Designed by sculptor Sir Anish Kapoor, not only are the views extraordinary, but it offers a very different tube experience, boasting the world’s longest slide at 178m long. The various attractions of Greenwich, including the Royal Observatory and National Maritime Museum, lie to the south. Head roughly westward instead, through Jack the Ripper’s Whitechapel, and you’ll soon arrive at the Tower of London, which has guarded the banks of the Thames since 1066. Palace, armory and prison in turn, the Tower can easily fill the rest of your morning. Take a tour led by one of the team of beefeaters to learn the stories behind highlights including Traitor’s Gate, the Crown Jewels and the building’s all-important ravens. Enjoy lunchtime at St Paul’s Step aboard a Hop-on Hop-off sightseeing bus from outside the Tower of London for the short but culturally-rich journey to St Paul’s Cathedral. Along the way you’ll pass by the Monument to the Great Fire of London, standing just meters from its ignition point in a baker’s shop on Pudding Lane, as well as Mansion House – the impressive residence of the Lord Mayor of London. A symbol of London for centuries, the views towards the dome of St Paul’s Cathedral are considered so important they are protected by law. Built by Sir Christopher Wren after the Great Fire destroyed Old St Paul’s, it was – maybe ironically – paid for by a tax on coal. From the crypt containing the mortal remains of Admiral Nelson, victor of the Battle of Trafalgar, to the Whispering Gallery, St Paul’s is one of London’s most ornate religious spaces. The location for a multitude of events of international importance, it has hosted the funeral of wartime Prime Minister Winston Churchill, the marriage of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer and even a speech by Martin Luther King Jr on route to collecting his Nobel Peace Prize from the committee in Oslo, Norway. Marrying new with old is the pedestrian Millennium Bridge, crossing the Thames from outside the cathedral steps. A landmark in its own right, it leads to Shakespeare’s Globe and the galleries of the Tate Modern. Devote the afternoon to tea and cake Whilst it’s no longer entirely true that the capital grinds to a halt at around 3PM for tea, it is true that a traditional afternoon tea remains an excellent way to celebrate the city’s culinary history. The Piccadilly area has some of the best choices, with the capital’s grand hotels like The Ritz welcoming those keen to sample the best snack you’ll probably ever have. Consisting of sandwiches and cakes, it was invented by Anna, Duchess of Bedford. A lady in waiting to Queen Victoria, she simply couldn’t endure the middle hours between lunch and dinner. If jumping’s still possible after such a feast, jumping onto the Victoria or Piccadilly Line of the Underground from Green Park will have muggles at King’s Cross Station before they can mutter expelliarmus. As any Harry Potter fan will know, the Hogwarts’ Express departs from the station’s Platform 9 3⁄4, where you can get your photograph snapped beside a disappearing luggage trolley. Similarly magical are the 1080 jets together making up the pavement fountains of nearby Granary Square. Dancing in time and displaying a range of colors, they make for a great place to relax during the summer months. At this time of year they take on the air of an urban beach and glow even brighter as dusk settles over another day in London. Save on the top things to do in London If you’re keen to follow our pick of the best things to do in London during the day there’s just one thing to do first, and that’s grab the London Explorer Pass. Doing away with the need for paper tickets, you’ll save at many of the city’s main attractions without having to do away with flexibility. For a sneak peak of all you can experience be sure to check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook, where you can also share your vacation snaps. Don’t forget to smile!
Ian Packham
The Houses of Parliament sits beside Westminster Bridge
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Top places to visit in London in April

Although still firmly within the city’s shoulder period, with lower visitor numbers than at other times of year, many don’t realize what an attractive proposition London in April is. Fourteen hours of daylight combine with a busy diary of events to make it one of the most underrated times of year to discover London, regardless of if it’s your first or thirty-first time to the British capital. Enjoy London’s outdoor spaces in a way not possible during the long winter months, whether that’s through joining the St George’s Day celebrations in Trafalgar Square, or wondering at the sunsets which dazzle the city at this time of year. April weather in London Temperatures can be sluggish to get going at the start of April, with early mornings particularly bracing. Lows of 6°C aren’t uncommon overnight. However, mid to late afternoons can see temperatures of 13 – 15°C on the sunniest of days thanks to winds normally no stronger than a light breeze. Roughly a third of April enjoys clear blue skies and bright sunshine. This averages out as 8 hours of sun per day, a full three hours more than in March. At the same time, daylight hours now extend from 6AM – 8PM. During the remaining two thirds of the month, visitors should expect a mix of light cloud and short bouts of rain – April showers are very much a London thing. That said, April is officially the driest month of the year, with just 20 – 40 mm of rain recorded. Packing layers is the key to remaining comfortable in London in April since weather conditions can change so quickly. Odd though it may sound, shorts, sweaters, umbrellas and sunglasses all make great additions to anyone’s luggage. Tick off April’s cultural events When it comes to outdoor spaces, London’s include some of the most famous landmarks in the world. The River Thames is blessed by footpaths extending largely uninterrupted along both banks through London’s central neighborhoods, whilst the Statue of Eros at Piccadilly Circus has been a meeting point for decades. Festivities, meanwhile, have traditionally focused around Trafalgar Square, built to mark Britain’s naval victory over Napoleon’s France and also the place where crowds gathered to celebrate the end of the Second World War. In more recent years, it has come to host a variety of events, including April’s St George’s Day and Vaisakhi. It’s not a public holiday, but the nearest weekend to St George’s Day on April 23 sees the square taken over by performers, food stalls and children’s entertainment keen on celebrating the nation’s patron saint. Just a few days before, the square echoes to the drumming and traditional music of the Punjab in honor of Vaisakhi, the Sikh New Year and spring harvest festival. Around 30,000 revelers head to the square’s a range of related events, making it one of the largest festivals of its kind outside of Asia. Churches and chocolate eggs April is – usually – also the month of the movable feast that is Easter. Attending a church service at one of the capital’s historic churches – Southwark Cathedral, Westminster Abbey and St Paul’s Cathedral among them – shows the city and its people in a new light. Many of London’s top attractions get in the spirit with special easter eggs hunts for children, including the likes of Chiswick House and Kitchen Garden and Kensington Palace. Both children and adults can also treat themselves with seasonal delights at one of London’s boutique chocolatiers. If you ‘accidentally’ overindulge, there’s always the London Marathon – the UK’s largest mass participation sporting event. Even those without their running shoes can get involved – watch from the sidelines as around 40,000 runners battle their way to the finish line in front of Buckingham Palace after over 26 miles pounding the city’s sidewalks. Scrutinize the stalls of London’s markets The combination of sunnier skies and longer hours of daylight brings our next suggestion of things to do in April in London right to the top of the bucket list for many. London’s plethora of indoor markets largely operate throughout the year, but April’s ever-improving weather makes their outdoor brethren all the more tempting. The permanent porticoed stores of Covent Garden Market together form one of the more stylish places to shop, and has plenty of places to stop for a drink or a bite to eat in pleasant surroundings too. You certainly won’t go hungry at either the Southbank Centre’s weekend market of food pop-ups, nor at the dedicated stalls open daily at Borough Market just a short walk from London Bridge. Antiques and Portobello Road have gone hand in hand since the late 1940s, with vintage and retro items joining the true antiques (items over 100 years old). Alfie’s Antiques Market in Marylebone is a good alternative if April’s showers take hold. It’s fourth floor café is one of the more unusual places to get a glimpse of the capital from on high. Marvel at the summer sky The top spot for experiencing London’s spring sunsets has to be The View from The Shard, rising above the hotch-potch of London’s old and new. If time allows, you should also consider a sundowner at a rooftop bar. Pergola Paddington Central has a fantastic ambience that only builds with the end of the working day. Exuding cool alongside its fair share of eccentricity is east London’s LGBT+ friendly Queen of Hoxton. Its roof space is open during summer and winter, changing its wild persona with the seasons. One month you’ll be in turn-of-the-century Paris and another in the lair of a Mexican wrestling team. Save on attraction admission in London in April Make the most of London’s April weather by exploring the city from high and low, near and far. But before you do, make sure you’ve downloaded the Go City app and taken advantage of the savings on attraction admission available with the Explorer Pass. See the attractions you’ve always wanted to see, do away with those dreaded foreign credit card charges and save on admission. An A-list sighting aside, nothing could be more London.
Ian Packham

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