London VS New York: Which City Should I Visit?

Published: July 18, 2024

Planning your next city vacation, but can’t decide whether to visit London or New York City? We’ve rounded up the best New York attractions and the best London attractions so you can decide which city is right for you. Which will it be? The Big Smoke or The Big Apple? Check out our list below of the top things to do in New York, including...

The Empire State Building
The Top of the Rock
Madison Square Garden
The Statue of Liberty
Radio City Stage Door Tour

Plus, the top things to do in London, including...

Coca-Cola London Eye
Churchill War Rooms
Shakespeare’s Globe
Wembley Stadium
Emirates Arsenal Stadium

And many more...

The attractions with the best views

The London Eye vs Top of the Rock and The Empire State Building

London

For some of the best views in London, head to the Coca-Cola London Eye. Take a 30-minute ride around one of London’s most recognizable landmarks and enjoy 360 views of the city. You will spot famous buildings and sights such as the Big Ben and St Paul’s Cathedral -- cameras at the ready! Be sure to check out our top tips for visiting the Coca-Cola London Eye. If you can’t get enough of the city, visit London’s tallest building, The Shard, for more 360 views. At 1,020 feet tall, The Shard is almost as tall as New York’s Empire State Building. Take the elevator up to the 72nd floor for amazing views of the city below.

New York City

In New York City, some would say the best view is from the Empire State Building. Did you know that the Empire State Building is 1,454 feet tall? With your New York Explorer Pass, head up to the 86th floor, 1,050 feet above the ground for breathtaking views of Manhattan. The only thing you won’t be able to see is the Empire State Building itself... So, if you want to take photos of New York’s cityscape including the Empire State Building, head over a few blocks to The Top of the Rock. Though not as tall as the Empire State Building, the observation deck of the Rockefeller center sits at 800 feet above street level -- so it has great views of the city (especially Central Park!). Check out our guide to the Empire State Building to learn more. Getting In: Entry to The Empire State Building and The Top of The Rock are included with your New York Explorer Pass. Entry to the Coca-Cola London Eye is included in your London Explorer Pass. Entry to The Shard is not included and tickets must be bought separately.

The best attractions for sports fans

Emirates Arsenal Stadium, Wembley Stadium and Chelsea FC Stadium vs Madison Square Garden

London

Sports fans won’t be short of things to do in London. Soccer fans can tour the home of Arsenal FC at the Emirates Arsenal Stadium, get up close with exclusive memorabilia, walk up the Players’ Tunnel and even sneak a peek inside the team’s changing rooms. Not an Arsenal fan? Visit the Chelsea FC Stadium for a guided tour and backstage access to the club’s Stamford Bridge stadium. Enjoy access to the changing rooms, tunnels and the Chelsea museum. If these aren’t enough to satisfy the soccer fan in your group, you have to visit Wembley Stadium. The original Wembley Stadium opened way back in 1923 but the current stadium opened in 2007. Did you know the current stadium was built on the grounds of the 1948 Olympics? It was also home to the 1966 World Cup Final which saw England take home the cup! [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BO3EGAJFlDb/[/embed]

New York City

Sports fans visiting New York City have to visit Madison Square Garden for an All Access Tour. Home to New York Teams, NBA’s New York Knicks and NHL’s New York Rangers, Madison Square Garden is a must-see. An expert guide will take you behind the scenes of the World’s Most Famous Arena, telling you all about its history and giving you a glimpse of exclusive memorabilia. While you’re in NYC, why not get tickets to see a famous New York team like the New York Yankees play? [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BpZrXmfFKD_/[/embed] Getting In: Emirates Stadium, Chelsea FC Stadium and Wembley Stadium are included in your London Explorer Pass. Madison Square Garden All Access Tour is included in your New York Explorer Pass.

The best tours for theater fans

Shakespeare’s Globe vs Inside Broadway walking tour and Radio City Tour

New York City

You can’t visit New York City without visiting the world famous theater district: Broadway. But what better way to explore the heart of New York’s theater-world than with a guided walking tour? On the Inside Broadway Walking Tour you will be guided around Broadway and Times Square by an experienced actor or director on a tour lasting 1 hour and 45 minutes. It’s one of the best ways to discover all the Broadway secrets you’re itching to know... Another must-see for theater lovers is the Radio City Music Hall. On the Radio City Stage Door Tour you will be taken behind the scenes of the famous music venue on a guided tour lasting 75 minutes. You’ll get to explore the venue from the auditorium to the stage, and you’ll even get to meet a Radio City Rockette. [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/ByVKqRwoFG1/[/embed]

London

Not to be out-done by New York, London is known for its Broadway equivalent, the West End. But London’s theater history dates back much further, to the days of William Shakespeare. On the Shakespeare’s Globe Exhibition and Theatre Tour, explore the Globe theater and its exclusive costumes and sets exhibition before being shown around the theatre by an expert guide. [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/ByN7Y6kgtHL/[/embed] Getting In: The Inside Broadway Walking Tour and Radio City Stage Door Tour are included in the New York Explorer Pass. Entry to The Shakespeare’s Globe Exhibition and Theatre Tour is included on the London Explorer Pass.

The best attractions for history fans

Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island vs Churchill War Rooms

New York City

A trip to New York City would be incomplete without a visit to The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Take the Secrets of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island: Walking Tour and be guided around two of America’s most important landmarks, while learning about their history and context. Hear stories about the immigrants who arrived in America via Ellis Island and learn all about the symbolism of the Statue of Liberty.

London

There are plenty of historic landmarks in London to satisfy history fans, such as the Churchill War Rooms. You will explore Churchill’s underground wartime headquarters and discover the important part it played in the Second World War. You have to see the Transatlantic Telephone Room -- it was disguised as a toilet but it was secretly used to speak to the US President. [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/ByIpSB5JjBz/[/embed] Getting In: The Secrets of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Walking Tour is included in the New York Explorer Pass. The Churchill War Rooms is included in the London Explorer Pass.

Remember to save on attraction admission

If you’re in New York or London, (whichever one you choose!) you can’t miss the chance to check out the city’s top tourist attractions and world-famous landmarks. Grab a New York City Explorer Pass® or a London Explorer Pass before your trip and make huge savings on combined admission prices compared to paying at the gate. The Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, and the Statue of Liberty Tour are all included on the pass, along with the Coca-Cola London Eye, Wembley Stadium and Churchill War Rooms.

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Seren Morris

Go City Travel Expert

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March is a good time to head to London's parks

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Why London in May is a secret worth sharing

Whisper it quietly – London in May feels a lot like the more popular summer months to come. Daylight hours stretch from 5:30AM until 8:30PM, temperatures nudge towards 20°C, and rain showers seem to lessen by the day. It means May in London is all about getting outside. Visit the likes of Borough Market and you’ll soon have more than enough goodies for a picnic in a Royal Park. Then cruise along the Thames for picturesque scenes of London’s historic skyline or meet the residents of London Zoo in their outdoor paddocks. These are just some of the great al fresco attractions that await visitors to the British capital in May. Wild beasts (and where to see them) Choose to stay in southwest London and you may be a little early for Wimbledon fortnight but you will have the chance to soak up the sun in Richmond Park thanks to the improving weather in London in May. The largest of London’s parks at 1000 hectares and a Site of Special Scientific Interest to boot, this former royal hunting ground still provides a habitat for several hundred fallow deer whilst King Henry’s Mound offers vistas reaching St Paul’s Cathedral. But it’s fashionable Chelsea that's the center of attention in May, when the Chelsea Flower Show takes over the grounds of the borough’s Royal Hospital – a home for military veterans. An annual event par excellence since 1912, attracting senior royals and a smorgasbord of A-list celebrities, this is much more than a garden show, occupying hours of television and pages of newspaper coverage. Further north, Regent’s Park is home to animals as diverse as penguins and tigers, being the site of ZSL London Zoo. A filming location in the first Harry Potter movie and a major conservation project, the zoo looks after around 20,000 animals, from leaf-cutter ants to less numerous pygmy hippos. All the world’s a stage The zoo isn’t the only reason to visit Regent’s Park, whose Open Air Theater kicks off its season of performances as the calendar hits May. Amphitheater style in form, weather conditions mean no performance is the same twice for the 1240 audience members who’ve come to enjoy the show. The South Bank’s Globe Theater also sees its actors hit the reproduction Elizabethan stage come May, though if you don’t make it to a performance of Romeo and Juliet or Hamlet, it’s still possible to head behind the scenes with a Globe Theater Tour. Don’t forget that London is home to the West End, perhaps second only to New York’s Broadway for the quality of its shows. Its 38 theaters are packed out on a nightly basis with the latest in musicals, comedies and plays, whilst Hollywood blockbusters can be enjoyed in the comfort of the Curzon Soho Cinema. Explore London’s top shopping destinations Dating back to at least 1276, Borough Market would have been known to Shakespeare and his troupe of actors, albeit in a slightly different form than the market takes today. Back then, and until the early 2000s, it served as a wholesale and retail vegetable market. It was then transformed to become a hub for curries rather than carrots and top-notch pies rather than pineapples as the street food craze took hold. Combining everything from food stalls to antiques and bric-a-brac, Portobello Road offers something different each day of the week (excluding Sundays when traders are given the day off but the stores lining the street are still open). The main day for antiques is Saturday, when a bit of friendly haggling may well get you that souvenir of your trip for a bargain price. The other big name in shopping has to be Oxford Street. This broad central London thoroughfare will be able to scratch any shopping itch, since there’s around 300 stores including most of the big names and a fair few flagship stores too. Discovery the importance of sea power to British history Say ‘flagship’ to a sailor and they’ll probably point you in the direction of HMS Belfast, the Royal Navy’s command vessel for the D Day landings in World War Two. Now a museum ship moored between London and Tower Bridge, visitors are able to explore nine decks to discover what life was like on the high seas in peace and war time. Belfast is just one of a series of things to do in London in May visible on Thames City Cruises alongside the Houses of Parliament, London Eye and Tate Modern. Four piers dotted along the river allow you to hop-on and hop-off as you choose, with the full journey occupying the historic stretch of the river from Westminster Pier to Greenwich, a part of London bursting with attractions. Among them are the Royal Observatory and Greenwich Meridian, from where the world takes its timings. The orange ball on the top of the observatory continues to drop at precisely 1PM each day, connected to an atomic clock – the most accurate timepieces in existence. But the naval links don’t stop there. As well as the scientific treasures awaiting in the National Maritime Museum, including objects used by Captain Cook in his ‘discovery’ of Australia, visitors to Greenwich can also step aboard the fastest tea clipper that ever set sail – the Cutty Sark. Compare the life of sailors onboard to that of HMS Belfast built just 70 years later, or soak in the atmosphere with a traditional afternoon tea in sublime surroundings. Unleash the secret of London in May! Thanks to relatively stable weather conditions you won’t have to worry too much about what to wear in London in May. Instead, you can concentrate on enjoying all that London has to offer. Travel with Go City, and you’ll also have the peace of mind of knowing you’re getting substantial savings on admission compared to turning up at ticket gates on the day!

Ian Packham

Hammersmith Bridge over the River Thames.

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Things to do in Hammersmith London

With picturesque riverside pubs, several top-class theatres and concert venues and some of west London’s finest parks, there are plenty of things to do in Hammersmith year-round. Save on things to do in Hammersmith Save on admission to London attractions and explore Hammersmith and beyond with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info. So grab a London pass and save while you sightsee!

Stuart Bak

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London With Friends: Your Ultimate Adventure Guide

London, with its buzzing streets, centuries of history, and a food scene that never sleeps, is a playground for friends looking to make the most of their time together. Whether you’re first-timers itching to check off legendary landmarks, or old pros seeking out the city’s best bites and quirkiest adventures, London delivers on fun in spades. Think riverside bike rides, group selfies atop sky-high towers, mind-bending art installations, and spontaneous singalongs in the city’s legendary pubs. No matter your mood—curious, competitive, culture-hungry, or just hungry-hungry—London promises shared laughs, memories, and maybe even a few inside jokes that’ll last long after you head home. So, where to start your perfect day (or week) out? Trust us, we’ve got you. Our favourite things to do with friends in London include: The London Eye Tower of London Crazy Golf at Swingers West End London Food Tour of Soho & Covent Garden Up at the O2 The View from The Shard Wicked The Musical City Cruises – Thames River Pass Royal Observatory Greenwich Chocolate Cocktail Club (Bonus!) Drinks at Gordon’s Wine Bar Tower of London: Tales, Treasures & Friendly Feuds Ready to live out your medieval drama dreams? The Tower of London is essential for friends who love a good story (or a little friendly sparring over “who would survive as a Tudor?”). This ancient fortress strikes the balance between creepy cool and grand spectacle, especially if you sign up for one of the legendary Yeoman Warder tours. These “Beefeaters” are part tour guide, part stand-up comic—trust us, you’ll be retelling their jokes all afternoon. Inside, each stone corridor hides centuries of drama—royal scandals, daring escapes, haunted towers. Share gasps over the dazzling Crown Jewels, compete to find the most hair-raising imprisonment story, or try counting the resident ravens grumping around the grounds. It’s surprisingly hands-on, with eerie cells and interactive history exhibits that make even the least history-mad in your group get into the spirit. The wide, lively courtyards are always buzzing, which makes for that unmistakable “we’re in London!” feeling. And because you’ll likely split off (half your crew racing to the armory, others lining up for the gems), it’s prime for re-grouping later to compare best finds. Top it off: pick up historically inspired treats at the café or grab fish and chips at nearby pubs once you’ve stormed the towers like a team of intrepid explorers. Crazy Golf at Swingers West End: Competitive Laughs & Top-Tier Cocktails Who says sightseeing can’t involve a little friendly rivalry—and maybe a few outrageous trick shots? Swingers West End turns miniature golf into a full-on party, perfect for friends in search of playful competition, street food, and creative drinks all under one buzzing roof. This isn’t your local park’s putt-putt. Inside, you’ll wander between dazzlingly designed nine-hole courses with whimsical obstacles and neon-lit tunnels, all bursting with pulse-raising energy. There’s a sense of friendly mischief in the air—grab a golf club and you’ll see who’s blessed with surprise talent, and who’s just there for the cocktails and the laughter. Betting who’ll get the most holes in one is practically required. No sideline spectating here. Swingers scores big with an array of bars serving up signature drinks—think fruity spritzes and spicy margaritas—plus a rotating roster of street food options. The wild-card winner? Tasty tacos and towering burgers to fuel your swings and high-fives. Best of all, Swingers is full of cozy nooks, so groups can linger after the game, rehash putt-by-putt victories, and celebrate the least coordinated member with a round of desserts (trust us, they’ll take it in good humour). It’s the kind of London spot where your group’s laughter blends into the clubby soundtrack—and where you’re bound to start planning your next friendly rematch. London Food Tour of Soho & Covent Garden: Tastes, Tales & Surprises Claiming to know London’s best food spots is a big statement—so why not let the experts lead you? Grab your gang and hit the streets of Soho and Covent Garden for a walking food tour that tastes like friendship in action. Soho is a flavour-packed playground, from dim sum palaces to artisan cheese shops, hidden ramen dens to patisseries spiked with the smell of fresh croissants. Each stop weaves stories of London’s cuisines and characters, with tastings designed for sharing (so make sure your squad has good “pass-the-plate” etiquette). The best part? The pace. There’s no rush as your guide sprinkles in tales of theatre legends, market rogues, and historical quirks you’d never spot alone. By the time you loop around Covent Garden’s cobbled piazza, you’ll have armfuls of local knowledge, plus a new list of must-return street food joints and quirky bars for a nightcap. A group food tour is perfect for those who love to try a little bit of everything, compare notes, and find new favourite dishes—together. Don’t be surprised if you spend the rest of your trip swooning over the memory of that unexpected secret bakery, or giggling over who “accidentally” ate most of the last shared doughnut. Up at The O2: Group Thrills Above the City If your idea of a good time features a side of adrenaline, bring your friends to Up at The O2 for one of London’s coolest challenges. You’ll suit up in harnesses, lace up your special boots, and literally trek up the O2 arena’s roof, 52 metres above the city. The real joy is the journey—powered by group encouragement, a little friendly heckling, and a lot of teamwork as you conquer that bounce-tastic walkway spanning the dome. Reaching the summit, you’ll step out onto a suspended rooftop platform with panoramic views reaching from Canary Wharf to Greenwich and beyond. Queue the obligatory “victory pose” photos with the skyscrapers behind you. It’s a genuine achievement moment, and everyone leaves buzzing with “did we really just do that?” pride. Up at The O2 is especially fun for birthdays, reunions, or just friends who thrive on conquering something together. Afterwards, celebrate the climb with drinks or a meal in the O2’s entertainment complex, or even catch a gig if you’re feeling extra celebratory. Wicked The Musical: Sing-Alongs & West End Wonder Few things bond friends faster than live theatre, and Wicked delivers big on spectacle, song, and shared goosebumps. This long-running West End smash has everything: dazzling costumes, epic ballads, powerful friendship themes, and flying witches that’ll leave your group humming “Defying Gravity” all the way home. Wicked is made for friends—it’s laugh-aloud funny one moment, secretly tear-jerking the next. The story of Glinda and Elphaba’s unlikely friendship feels tailor-made for a group night out, and the energy inside the Apollo Victoria Theatre is always infectious. No wonder so many choose this one for birthdays or pre-dinner entertainment: it hooks musical superfans and first-time theatre-goers alike. The venue itself sits steps from Victoria Station, meaning your group can plot a pre- or post-show feast at one of the area’s quirky restaurants or lively pubs. Souvenir wands and witches’ hats optional—but heavily encouraged for unforgettable group selfies. City Cruises – Thames River Pass: Chill Group Adventures on the Water Swap tube crowds for the breezy decks of a Thames river cruise—a group experience that packs in sightseeing, city stories, and chill time all in one. These turquoise and white riverboats make multiple stops, so your crew can hop on and off to explore nearby treasures like the Tower of London, Greenwich, and Westminster. Pull up a group of seats on the top deck, kick back, and watch river life unfold: kids waving from bridges, paddleboarders, iconic riverside pubs, and those legendary London landmarks. The onboard commentary (always full of fun facts and gentle jokes) means no friend gets left out of the loop—even the ones who nod off in guidebooks. We love how river cruises let you explore at your own pace. Disembark at your favourite neighbourhoods, picnic on the grassy banks at Greenwich, snap “London by water” selfies, or stay aboard for the full loop and just enjoy the breeze and banter. On warm days, nothing beats sipping a G&T while floating past Big Ben. Royal Observatory Greenwich: Star-Gazing & Time-Travel For a group adventure outside the city centre, Greenwich bundles history, science, and spectacular scenery into one green, riverside package. The Royal Observatory is its gleaming crown—home to the Prime Meridian, historic telescopes, and London’s best hilltop views. Start your visit by straddling the world-famous line: one foot in the East, one in the West—prime opportunity for playful group photos. Step inside to explore centuries-old astronomical tools, watch cosmic shows at the planetarium, or learn how sailors navigated the globe (with tales of clockmakers, pirates, and mystery). Afterward, stroll through Greenwich Park, discover the Cutty Sark, or lounge at one of the historic pubs or riverside cafés. Greenwich has a distinctly relaxed, welcoming vibe—perfect for unwinding as a group, whether you’re catching up after years or just living in each moment. Chocolate Cocktail Club: Cheers to Sweet Nights Out Looking for that boozy treat with serious wow factor? The Chocolate Cocktail Club in Farringdon delivers with a fun twist—themed drinks that’ll leave your group grinning. This snug and stylish lounge specializes in chocolate-infused concoctions: think creamy chocolate martinis, minty choco-mojitos, and utterly decadent espresso mixes. Each drink is as Insta-worthy as it is delicious. It’s a top spot for giggly pre-dinner gatherings, quirky date nights, or any celebration that deserves something out of the ordinary. The staff have some serious shake-and-mix artistry, and every cocktail arrives with playful touches—a chocolate rim here, a kitschy straw there. Even non-chocolate obsessives will find plenty to love, including sweet and savory sharing platters built for group nibbles. The Chocolate Cocktail Club keeps things intimate yet energetic; you’ll quickly find your new favourite as the soundtrack and laughter rise around you. Themed nights and bookable group packages make it easy to keep everyone happy—just don’t race through the menu too quickly! Drinks at Gordon's Wine Bar: London’s Best-Kept Cavern If your group loves a toast in a place that speaks to London’s secret history, Gordon’s Wine Bar is a wonder. Built into ancient railway arches, minutes from the Embankment, Gordon’s is possibly the cosiest pub you’ll ever squeeze your friends into. The candlelit, low-ceilinged vaults feel like time stopped somewhere around the early 19th century. Settle into a wooden nook, order a bottle (or two) from their signature wine list or sample house specials paired with legendary platters of cheese and charcuterie. Try the Beef & Horseradish Pie or the show-stopping Stilton—warmed, oozy, and begging to be shared. It’s a place designed for togetherness—conversation hums, laughter echoes, and everyone leaves a little closer. Bonus: if the sun shines, snag a spot on their riverside terrace for a perfect end to your sightseeing adventures. With so many options—from sky-high group selfies and competitive mini golf to legendary shows, riverside cruises, and chocolate-spiked cocktails—London makes every moment with friends feel extraordinary. The city rewards the curious, the playful, and the hungry (for food or fun). So round up your favourite crew, unleash your inner explorer, and let the city’s famous energy carry you to the next big adventure—together. Enjoyed this? Check out our guide to London’s quirkier side, and browse our London Eye deep dive. Step up your sightseeing with Go City® We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets. See more, do more, and experience more with Go City® – just choose a pass to get started!

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