Things to do in London for couples

By Ian Packham
Published: July 18, 2024
A couple laughing together in front of the London Eye

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

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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

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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

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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

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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
Go City Travel Expert

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Things to do Alone in London

We humans are social creatures by nature, craving the contact of others for the most part. However, there are times when all we want is to be with ourselves. And why not? Spending some quality time alone can be liberating. No longer are you beholden to the wishes of others. You can go where you want, when you want, and do whatever your heart desires. So if you're alone and want to go adventuring in London, what's stopping you? There's so much to do and see in the city, so head out and see if for yourself! These are the best things to do alone in London. Featuring: Museums Art Galleries The cinema Plays and musicals Lounge in a park Walking tours and more! Head to a museum If your brain is thirsty for some of that sweet knowledge, why not head to one of London's many museums? You're spoilt for choice, as the city has some of the best in the world. You've got well-known greats like the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum right next door to one another. Or, try something a little unorthodox. The Museum of Brands gives you a great insight into how marketing and culture have evolved over the centuries. Be sure to check out the cringe-inducing videos of past television advertisements. Fantastic. Or, check out the London Transport Museum to see how London's iconic transport services have evolved over the years. Whichever you choose, visiting a museum is easily one of the best things to do alone in London. Go to an art gallery Feeling cultural? Stroll on down to one of the city's fantastic art galleries! You've got classics like The National Gallery and the Tate Britain, where you'll find famous paintings from periods past. Or, if you want something more modern, head to the Tate Modern or the National Portrait Gallery, where they have their yearly portrait contenders on display. And best of all, take as much time to look around as you like. Go see a flick We can spend so much time watching films at home when we're by ourselves. Why not take that solo experience to the big screen? And don't just go to any old cinema. Treat yourself to one of the many Curzon cinemas dotted about London. Whether you're close to Soho, Mayfair, or Bloomsbury, there's a Curzon just for you. And, with a perfect mix of arthouse films and big-budget blockbusters on show, you can pick the perfect flick for your mood. With no one there to criticise your movie choice, it's easily one of the best things to do alone in London. Catch a show Want to add a little razzle-dazzle to your day? Why not hit the West End and check out a play or musical? See the wizarding wonder all grown up in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Watch Hollywood scribe Aaron Sorkin's take on 20th century classic To Kill A Mockingbird. Or, put on your best inspector's hat at Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap. For you musical lovers out there, there are classics like The Phantom of the Opera, and modern marvels like Wicked, The Lion King, or the hilarious Book of Mormon. Parklife In the unlikely event that the weather is actually nice, why not take a stroll around one of London's many amazing parks? They're the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. You've got the big ones like Hyde Park and Regents Park, where you'll be regularly joined by dog walkers, joggers, and people lounging on the grass. If you're looking for a bit of party in your park visit, head to London Fields in Hackney. During summer, the park is full of fiery barbeques, beverages, and banging tunes. Or try Clissold Park in Stoke Newington, which has a more middling vibe. Take a walking tour If your legs are getting a bit restless, why not mix exercise with a little information on a walking tour? There are loads of them taking place all around London. If the sun is out and shining at its best, try a movie, music, or icon tour. These will take you to movie sets, old gig haunts, and other iconic London locales. Or, spice up your walk with some culture at a tour of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre. Learn about the history of the building, take a literal peek behind the curtain to see how the building accommodates modern performances, and much more. As you'll likely be in a group anyway, a walking tour is one of the best things to do alone in London. Sightsee London is one of the oldest cities on the planet. With thousands of years of history, why not just walk around and see it all? There's the mighty Houses of Parliament, Tower Bridge, St Paul's Cathedral, the Tower of London...the list goes on and on! Chart a course on your phone and set off, music in-ear, and see as many as you like. Or, if you want to give your legs a rest, step aboard a bus tour of London's best sights. Check out a market and some delicious street food Feeling peckish? Don't worry; London's got you covered. Across the city, there are numerous markets with some delicious street food choices to tickle any fancy. Perhaps the most famous is Borough Market, a winding maze of shops and food stalls. There, you'll find thousands of food and drink options to hit the spot. In South, Brixton Village offers a wealth of food and shopping options for any savvy buyer. Or, if you're looking for something a little more cool and modern, hit Boxpark in Shoreditch. With shops down below and bars up above, you'll find burgers, pizza, hotdogs, and much more to chow down on. Head to Kew Gardens And finally, if you want to combine culture, nature, and fuel into one fantastic day out, head over to Kew Gardens. See the oldest pot plant on the planet, a Jurassic cycad palm planted in the 18th century. Explore the different Houses, all mimicking one of Earth's biomes, replete with indigenous plant life from across the globe. Climb the Treetop Walkway for the best views in London. It doesn't get much better than that—definitely one of the best things to do alone in London.
Dom Bewley
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Best Museums in London

Knowledge is power. Every day, many of us look to nourish our withered brains with learning. Whether online, in a book, or in the scary outside world, it's good to learn. After all, a strong brain is a happy brain. So, if you're looking to flex those synapses on a day out in London, where should one go? Why, a museum, of course! London has a boat-load of the info hives just waiting for you. 'But there are so many, which are the best?' we hear you cry. Stop crying, and start reading, because these are the best museums in London. Featuring: Museum of London Natural History Museum Science Museum V&A Museum British Museum Royal Museums Greenwich London Transport Museum Museum of Brands And that about does it for the best museums in London you simply cannot miss! If you're looking for other things to do when visiting the English capital, why not check out our guides to Shoreditch, Notting Hill, and Mayfair? Or, if you want to see the city but don't know where to sleep, check out our guide for the best places to stay in London! And, if you want to check out all the very best London attractions the capital has to offer, pick up a London pass and see it all for one low price!
Dom Bewley
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Best walks in London

“To walk alone in London is the greatest rest,” proclaimed Virginia Woolf in her 1927 essay Street Haunting. It’s hard to disagree: a stroll through London’s streets nourishes the soul. Here you’ll find all the familiar landmarks, and there unexpected marvels: parks that materialize as if from nowhere, quirky museums, hidden alleyways that lead... where? Ask a local to recommend the best walk in London and you’ll get a different answer every time, such are the endless possibilities of this great city. Here, though, are four of our favorites. Soho stroll It doesn’t get much more London than a saunter through the streets of Soho. Once the epicenter of London’s – shall we say – seamier entertainments, the district has shaken off much of its reputation to re-emerge as a bohemian mini metropolis, awash with cute cafés, independent stores and sizzling street food. Arriving at Leicester Square station, take the Charing Cross Road East exit to emerge opposite this thoroughfare’s venerable second-hand bookstores, their Harry Potter-esque shopfronts stacked high with dusty leather-bound tomes, colorful pulp novels and weighty reference books. Pause for a selfie, then follow your nose to Chinatown. Here, red-and-gold lanterns sway above the street and tantalizing aromas of hoi-sin duck, plump dim sum and crispy chili beef provide a feast for the senses. One block north of Chinatown brings you to Shaftesbury Avenue, a broad and bustling boulevard at the very heart of London’s west end, where acting legends tread the boards at theaters including (deep breath) the Lyric, the Gielgud, the Sondheim, the Apollo and the Palace. Wander up Dean Street to enter Soho proper and pause for un petit verre at The French House. This diminutive gallic stalwart has been here since the late 19th-century, lubricating art-and-literature aristocracy including Dylan Thomas, Salvador Dali and Francis Bacon down the years. Swing right onto Old Compton Street then left at the Prince Edward Theatre to join Greek Street. Keep your eyes peeled for blue plaques that commemorate some of the street’s most celebrated former residents, from Thomas de Quincy to Peter Cook. Greek Street is also home to Maison Bertaux – at over 150 years old, quite probably the longest-established French patisserie in London – as well as whisky store Milroy’s. Intrepid visitors to this Scotch specialist should seek out the cocktail bar in the cellar, its entrance cunningly concealed behind a bookcase at the back of the shop. Take the weight off for a moment in Soho Square, a small public garden with a statue of Charles II and an eye-catching mini mock-tudor building at its center, before heading a couple of blocks west to Berwick Street. Packed with vinyl record stores, clothes boutiques, haberdashers and traditional London boozers, it’s perhaps most famous for its centuries-old street market (now a foodie mecca) and for featuring on an Oasis record sleeve in the 90s. Linger awhile to soak up the boho atmosphere then disappear into the surrounding streets... Regent’s Park With pristine white stucco terraces, manicured gardens galore, an ornamental lake and much more spread across its 400 acres, Regent’s Park has plenty to keep even the most seasoned stroller happy for hours. Enter by Regent’s Park station, and bear left towards the superb boating lake, where you can hire small row boats and pedalos from spring through fall. The banks make an ideal spot for picnicking, but expect some attention from the resident ducks, swans and geese. Look out for the vast copper dome of the Central London Mosque on the opposite bank. Follow the path to the bandstand and into the Inner Circle to seek out Queen Mary’s Gardens, the park’s finest. Pause to smell the roses (take your time: there are thousands!) and linger in the tranquility of the Japanese-style garden with its babbling brooks, miniature waterfalls and weeping willows. At the top of the circle, you’ll find an open-air theater with performances of Shakespeare plays, kids’ shows and more during the summer months. The distant sound of shrieking gibbons and roaring lions draws you northwards to ZSL London Zoo. Established nearly two centuries ago, it’s the world’s oldest and now houses over 750 species and nearly 20,000 critters, from tigers to tarantulas, okapis to otters. From here, cross the canal footbridge to climb Primrose Hill for far-reaching views of London’s skyline, or follow the meandering towpath west to Little Venice, where cute barges (including the UK’s only floating puppet theater!) bob gently in the lagoon. The East End Perhaps best known for its darker associations with Jack The Ripper, London’s East End has ushered in the modern while retaining the best of its Victorian character. Exit Liverpool Street station, head along Bishopsgate and right onto Folgate Street, where Dennis Severs’ House, a mesmerizing throwback to a bygone era, is worth an hour of anyone's time. Continue to Commercial Street, past sprawling Spitalfields Market, and pause for refreshment at the Ten Bells. This cozy pub stands in the shadow of Christ Church – an imposing 18th-century Hawksmoor masterpiece – and was once frequented by victims of Jack The Ripper. A couple of blocks east is Brick Lane, where Bangladeshi and Jewish influences still happily prevail in spite of the area’s ongoing gentrification. It’s here you’ll find the finest bagels and curries in all of London. Try both: you won’t regret it. Brick Lane is also home to the landmark Truman Brewery building. Once a beer-making powerhouse, now an office block, it retains a convivial cobbled courtyard with a bar and live music in summer. This is also the place to cram shopping bags full of vintage fashions, vinyl records and, of course, fresh spices and exotic fruits – no trip to Brick Lane would be complete without a visit to the legendary Taj Stores. Finish your tour at the bottom of the street where modern art exhibitions and installations are free to enter at the wonderful Whitechapel Gallery. South Bank to the Tower Stretch your legs a little on this three-mile route that takes in bustling markets, Shakespearean theaters, royal palaces, and some of the finest river views you’re likely to encounter in London. Emerging at Embankment station, climb the stairs onto the Hungerford footbridge. Buskers perform for your entertainment as you cross, but they’re fighting a losing battle against the captivating views: St Paul’s Cathedral, The Shard, Big Ben, the London Eye... to name just a few. Stroll through the South Bank’s cultural heart, home to the Royal Festival Hall and National Film Theatre. Beneath these fantastic examples of brutalist architecture, kids show off their moves in the graffiti’d skatepark and a cavalcade of street entertainers vie for your attention (and cash). Follow the river past the landmark Oxo Tower to the Tate Modern and onwards to the Globe Theater, a stunning replica of the Elizabethan playhouse for which Shakespeare wrote his plays. Completed in the mid-1990s, this authentic timber-framed reconstruction boasts the only thatched roof permitted in London since the Great Fire of 1666. Your walk continues east to the atmospheric cobbled lanes around Southwark and London Bridge, where you’ll encounter the infamous Clink Prison and a faithful reproduction of Sir Francis Drake’s Golden Hind galleon. Railway bridges rumble overhead as you follow your nose into Borough Market, where restaurant-quality fast food will fortify you for the final leg of your adventure. Here, every palate is catered for. Grab a halloumi burger or smoked salmon bagel, try melt-in-the-mouth confit duck or make a mess with delicious, oozing cheese raclette. The leafy grounds of medieval Southwark Cathedral, right next to the market, provide a tranquil setting to savor your meal and watch the world go by. We challenge you not to hum the famous nursery rhyme as you cross London Bridge and join the Thames Path east to the Tower of London: awe-inspiring fortress, royal palace, notorious prison, and home of the Crown Jewels. It’s here, among the resident ravens and the Yeoman Guards in their smart red-and navy livery, that your journey concludes. Save on things to do in London Save on admission to London attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak

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