Things to do in London for couples

By Ian Packham
Last updated: June 22, 2026
A couple enjoying the sunset facing St Paul's Cathedral

Whether you’ve been together 6 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.

Below, we’ll cover the likes of:

  • Romantic strolls around Hampton Court Palace
  • Fall in love with London’s food
  • Breathtaking views of the Thames
  • Take in a show together

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 that’s open to 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, it was also where he fell madly in love with neighbor Fanny Brawne. And all before dying of tuberculosis at the age of 25. That’s right; Keats became one of Britain’s most celebrated Romantic poets and owned his own home before turning 25. It’s enough to put us all to shame, really.  

At St Paul’s Cathedral, couples simply must climb the 259 steps up to the Whispering Gallery. Forming part of the 65,000-tonne dome, it has the intriguing property of amplifying even the slightest sound around its walls. It’s also the best place to see the dome’s splendour up close. 

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. It’s also mostly fantastic, which is obviously great news for any partner hoping to impress their better half.

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, Maltby Street offers a veritable mish-mash of delectable cuisines under one “roof”. Venezuelan arepa shares the space with Ethiopian wat and Chinese gyoza in a celebration of world cuisine. Be aware that Maltby Street is only open on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings, so weekdays won’t cut it.

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 who drink together stay together, look no further than The Top Hat, one of the Strand’s top cocktail spots. Inspired by the board game Monopoly, it’s sure to add a quirky touch to your romantic adventure.

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.

On rainy days, duck into a Curzon Cinema for a fun, dry time. Showing a medley of arthouse, modern classics, and up-to-date releases, share a tub of popcorn and feed it to each other while watching some movies. Sounds romantic to us.

Or, swap the screen for the stage at Wicked, one of London’s biggest live shows. Having spun off into its own famous film franchise, see where the magic began. Witches, songs, something about a yellow brick road - you get it. You could say it’s… wickedly good. We’ll see ourselves out.

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. One of the cleanest rivers in the world - yes, really - its 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, connecting the two sides of the river via a journey which takes in the entire Greenwich Peninsula. At dusk, the trip is extended, so you have even more time to admire the panoply of sights below you.

Daring couples can even climb the O2 Arena to get a rather unique view of London’s winding river. If you have the stones for it, more power to you. This show of bravery is sure to impress your better half. 

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. And if you liked the above, check out the Best Food Markets in London or Everything You Need to Know About Go City’s London Passes.  

 

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!  

 

Ian Packham
Go City Travel Expert

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Ian Packham
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Ian Packham
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Taking place in February and March, it is an annual Rugby Union competition held between England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, France and Italy. London’s Twickenham Stadium plays a central role, as well as being guardian of treasures like the Calcutta Cup, the oldest international sporting trophy in the world. Alternatively, you can absorb the atmosphere of an England game from one of London’s many pubs. When a big match is on, it’s not normally necessary to head to a sports bar, with almost everyone broadcasting the build-up. But watch out for kick-off times clashing with those of London’s first love – soccer. If sport isn’t your bag, then nearby Kew Gardens may be more up your street. The depths of winter may sound like a strange time to visit, however February sees it host its Orchid Festival in the Princess of Wales Conservatory, bringing a little tropical cheer to this corner of west London. So will the Wildlife and Wetlands Trust’s London Wetland Centre – the place to spot London’s native species. The 100-acre site provides winter habitats for birds including bittern and kingfishers as well as ring-necked parakeets, which have been part of the London skyline since the 1920s. Get all loved up (or relish in a little me-time) Beneath their frosty exterior, Londoners are as romantic as any other, as you’re sure to see if you’re lucky (or clever) enough to coincide your trip with Valentine’s Day. The most romantic day of the year can be enjoyed with a huge array of classic itineraries, from hotel spa days to candle-lit dinners at London’s many restaurants. The romantic gestures don’t need to stop there. Central London has plenty of spots to gaze into one another’s eyes, from the green beneath Big Ben’s clock faces, to the pods of the London Eye and the 800 foot (250 m) high View from The Shard observation deck. At twice the height of almost any other public space, its 360° views can extend 40 miles. For something a little different, you could hire a rowing boat on Hyde Park’s Serpentine Lake for an hour or two. Meanwhile if you need a ring to pop the big question, Hatton Garden should be your destination of choice due to its range of high-end jewelers and diamond dealers. Don’t fret if you’re a lone traveler on February 14 though. Not only are there an increasing number of events dedicated to singletons, but it gives you the opportunity to do whatever you fancy, whenever you fancy it. Why not slip into a seat at Curzon Soho Cinema to watch the latest Hollywood blockbuster, for instance? Celebrate Chinese New Year Taking place at the very end of January or first half of February, the new lunar year takes its name from one of the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac. The event is a great time to sample festive foods such as dumplings and longevity noodles at the restaurants and food stalls of Chinatown, located off the theater district’s Shaftesbury Avenue. Decked out in Chinese lanterns and the lucky color of red, attractions include large-scale forms of each of the zodiac’s creatures. Traditional lion dancers stun the crowds with their acrobatic moves, before attention turns to the multi-talented performers of Trafalgar Square and the family-focused fun of Leicester Square. Here children can try their hand at Chinese calligraphy or head for the dressing up box. Whether you plan to spend the whole afternoon celebrating or just pop by, anything goes at this free event. If it’s raining, a better bet is one of London’s shows. Attracting some of stage and screens top talent, previous productions having drafted in Benedict Cumberbatch, Dame Helen Mirren and Sir Ian McKellen to list just three well-known names. Save on London February attraction admission One of the cheapest times of year to visit, London in February still has a calendar of events that would have most cities blushing in embarrassment. Come prepared for the chilly weather and there’s no reason you can’t enjoy them all. Like a singleton on Valentine’s Day (and we’ve all been in that boat) Go City helps you do what you want when you want to do it, whilst making savings on both tours and attractions around the city.
Ian Packham

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