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

By Katie Sagal
Woman standing on Westminster Bridge in London

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.

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

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Outdoor Activities in London
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Outdoor Activities London

You know how it is. Sometimes, it's fun being inside. The feeling of relief when someone else cancels plans you really weren't up for attending. Meanwhile, you get to stay inside guilt-free, splaying out on the sofa absorbing terrible TV like an unsociable husk. It's magical. Other times, you've got that pep in you, that desire to get out there and show the world who you really are. You're an outdoors person. You like going outdoors and doing things outside of those doors. And, if you're living in London or are visiting the English capital, you might be wondering what outdoor thing to do. Well, wonder no longer, for we have curated this list of the very best outdoor activities in London. So read on, get inspired, and find something new to do today! Featuring: Parks Rooftop drinks See a film Urban escapes Animal hangouts and more! Go to a park Let's start with something so cheap it's free. Walking, the human's favourite mode of physical transport. Walking is excellent for both the body and mind, getting those endorphins pumping and breathing in some fresh air. And where better to get your step on than at a park? Trees, grass, tiny woodland critters. Parks really do have it all. And in London, you're simply spoiled for choice. Hyde Park, Victoria Park, Ally Pally, Finsbury Park, and Regents Park are all heavy hitters in the London park department. Want something smaller? Try Barnard Park and Islington Green in North, Shoreditch Park or London Fields in East, Ladbroke Square Garden or Holland Park in West, or Clapham Common in South. Wherever you are, there are big and small green places all around. So get up, go out and find them! Simple yet effective, parks walks and hangouts are some of the best outdoor activities in London! Check out a rooftop bar If the weather's right, the sun's out, and the clouds are on holiday, why not grab a cool refreshing drink at one of London's many rooftop bars? You've got low-key affairs like The Castle and Vagabond, which offer no-frills terrace drinks and tasty bites. For higher-energy trips, head to Brixton Beach or Bussey Building, which both offer great drinks, pumping music, and great party vibes. Or, if you want to be active while on a rooftop sipping cocktails, try Skylight in Tobacco Dock or Peckham. You can play a few rounds of croquet or boules with your friends as the sun shines down on you. Who ever knew that throwing or smacking balls with a mallet could be so much fun? Go there, and you will know. See a film beneath the stars Yes, you read that right. Films, but outside. That's techinically an outdoor activity in London, right? If you simply can't be without the talking pictures, you can make them an outdoor activity too! Relive the glory days of drive-in cinema. You've got plenty to choose from too. Perhaps the biggest one around is Rooftop Film Club. With venues in Stratford and Peckham - at the good old Bussey Building - they're the best in the business. Showing a mix of old classics, Oscar winners, modern films, and musicals, you're sure to find the perfect flick to watch under the stars. You could probably sing along too, if you're so way inclined. Alternatively, check out Film4's 'Summer Screen Festival' at Somerset House for an eclectic mix of cult classics, new releases, and lesser-known indie hits. Or, if you're feeling courageous, why not take to the sea with 'Movies on the River'? Adorably, they play an assortment of river-based films like Wind River, The River Wild, and Mystic River. River-ting. A little wordplay never hurt anyone. See the sights on an open-air bus Does the thought of sitting down outside yet moving around sound like fun? Why not hop aboard an open-air bus tour of the city? You'll get the chance to see the city's sights with the wind running through your hair, or what's left of it. You'll pass iconic London sights like the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, Tower Bridge, and Buckingham Palace. And thanks to a handy, informed guide, you'll learn all about them too. It's like school, but fun. And outside. An escape room, but outdoors So, you're looking to outdoor activities in London, are you? Well, how about this doozy? London is under threat, from hackers or something. Do you have the wits and smarts to save the city? If you answered 'yeah, sure,' why not check out Urban Missions? This outdoor escape room slash scavenger hunt takes place entirely outdoors. You work for The Agency, a shadowy organisation that stays in the shadows. Your task? Use WhatsApp to receive clues and codes, then use your brains to solve them. This adventure will take you all through the city, just like a real phone detective. Groups of two or more must work together to solve every clue, unlock every code, and save London from an unknown threat. Are you up to the task? There's only one way to find out. Try it for yourself and see what you're made of. Go to the zoo And, finally, why not add some fauna to your outdoor adventure? Walk, talk, and other things with the animals at London Zoo! There are a whopping 20,000 animals for you to mingle with from all over the planet. All you cat lovers are in for a treat. You can visit Land of the Lions, a space dedicated to the majestic and sadly endangered Asiatic Lions. There are only 400 left on the planet, which is incredibly sad. Alternatively, if you like your cats with a few more stripes, go see Tiger Territory, which is dedicated to Sumerian Tigers. Learn about their day-to-day habits, and the issues we have with conserving their natural habitat. Or, if you sleep all day and the night is your time to shine, go check out Night Life, an entire exhibit dedicated to the exotic critters that own the night. On top of all that, you've got gorillas, penguins, butterflies, and even kid-friendly offerings like The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Here endeth the list of all the best outdoor activities you can experience in London. So go forth, and be active. And outside.
Dom Bewley
Busy street in London with two phone boxes and Christmas lights
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The best Christmas markets in London

If you happen to be in this enigmatic city as the days get colder and the nights get longer, you’ll notice a proliferation of twinkly lights that can only mean one thing – Christmas markets have appeared!
Karleen Stevens
A couple laughing together in front of the London Eye
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Things to do in London for couples

Whether you’ve been together six months or 60 years, there’s a wide array of things to do in London for couples. Strolling hand in hand through the grounds of palaces and stately homes, taking in views of the River Thames’ meandering path or soaking up some culture are just some of the experiences that await. Share in London’s historic wonders After six weddings and two beheadings, Henry VIII’s record as a husband may come into question, but it’s hard not to admire his taste in homes. Riverside Hampton Court Palace was his favorite residence, and the only Tudor royal palace in London welcoming the public. Having wondered at the Great Hall and historic kitchens, save some time for tackling the famous maze together – like couples have been doing since it was first planted in the 1680s. Continuing the theme of important London homes is Hampstead’s Keats House. The 19th-century romantic poet John Keats lived in the building for less than two years. However, as visitors will discover, in this time he not only wrote Ode to a Nightingale beneath one of the garden’s plum trees, but also fell madly in love with neighbor Fanny Brawne. And all before dying of tuberculosis at the age of 25. The magic figure at St Paul’s Cathedral is 259, the number of steps leading to the Whispering Gallery. Forming part of the 65,000 ton dome, it has the intriguing property of amplifying even the slightest sound around its walls. Couples who make here also get a close up with the focal point of Sir Christopher Wren’s original 17th-century structure. Check out London’s food scene Couples in London looking for a foodie treat are well catered for. The capital’s list of places to be wined and dined is a long one, meeting all tastes, budgets and dietary requirements. Though there may be more shared benches than tables for two, one of the newest kids on the block is Maltby Street Market in Bermondsey. A short walk from Tower Bridge, Venezuelan arepa share the space with Ethiopian wat and Chinese gyoza in a celebration of world cuisine. More traditional dining experiences still don’t have to cost the Earth. Home of the capital’s Bengali community, Brick Lane is the cherry on top of the cake of London’s love-affair with curry. Even so, prices are a fraction of those charged by celebrity chefs and London’s 60 or so Michelin-starred restaurants. If you abide by the idea that couples which drink together stay together, look no further than a cocktail-making class. Guided by the skilled hands of a professional mixologist, you’ll get to create a perfectly-balanced Old Fashioned, Dark and Stormy or Cosmopolitan. Alternatively, you could go one step better and take a tour of the Beefeater gin distillery, revealing just some of what goes into making the spirit so popular with bartenders across the city. Enjoy views of the Thames Even dirty old rivers – to steal a phrase from The Kinks’ 1960s classic Waterloo Sunset – have a certain innate romance. Take to its banks pretty much anywhere along its 215 mile course, and you’ll have to agree the Thames is no different. Actually one of the cleanest rivers in the world, it’s further reaches are home to otters, dolphins and seals in addition to landmarks known the world over. What’s more, there are several ways for couples in London to enjoy the majesty of the Thames. The classic way is to take to its waters, with river cruises slipping up and down stream between Westminster and Greenwich. When it comes to timing, sunset is difficult to beat, and is known as the golden hour for taking in the city’s panoramas. Boarding a Thames cruiser isn’t the only way to fully-appreciate the capital’s lifeblood. A completely different perspective is offered from a gondola of London’s first cable car, the Emirates Air Line, connecting the two sides of the river via a journey which takes in the entire Greenwich Peninsula. At dusk the journey is extended, so you have even more time to admire the panoply of sights below you. Climb the O2 Arena and the only thing immediately beneath your feet will be its white canopy. However, to either side of the walkway hanging 50 meters above the ground, the river unravels in all its glory in either direction. Take in a show William Shakespeare’s words have echoed through the centuries. Where better to relive the romance of Romeo and Juliet or Anthony and Cleopatra, or the bromance of Prince Hal and Falstaff in Henry IV than Shakespeare’s Globe? Outside of performances, tours detail some of the theater’s most captivating tales, such as the time an audience member’s breeches burst into flames alongside the original playhouse. Meanwhile, the velvet-clad seats of Covent Garden’s Royal Opera House is the foremost destination for opera and ballet. The West End has shows to suit any couple, with contemporary playwriting, musicals and classic plays all fighting for attention. When it comes to foot-tapping fun, there are venues large and small where it’s possible to let your hair down. They include the likes of the Sky Garden, hosting regular concerts to continue the traditions of the capital’s legendary music industry, which has given voice to everyone from David Bowie to Amy Winehouse. London’s Madame Tussauds – the first wax works to hold the name – is a great option for couples in need of a rainy-day activity. It’s array of famous faces from British history and worldwide popular culture are one way to get close to your idols. Movie lovers also have the option of taking in a multitude of sites forming backdrops to some of the silver screen’s best-known scenes including the James Bond franchise, Paddington and Bridget Jones’s Diary. Save on things to do in London for couples Reserve your hard-earned cash for spoiling your significant other by saving on London attraction admission and exploring more with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Ian Packham

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