Tower Bridge, London
Family friendlyShows and eventsTrip inspirationHistory, art and cultureFood and drink
ksagal

10+ Things to Do in London for Teens During Your Vacation

While you’ve been counting down the days until your London adventure, your teenagers are probably groaning about visiting stuffy museums and going to tea. So how do you find a balance between visiting top London sites and keeping young adults engaged? It’s all in the choice of attractions. Fortunately, there are tons of teen-friendly London attractions out there for you to choose from. If you’re looking for things to do in London for teens, check out our list of the top attractions and activities, including...

  • The London Eye
  • Madame Tussauds London
  • Sports Stadium Tours
  • ZSL London Zoo
  • The London Bridge Experience
  • Boat rides on the river
  • Movie tours
  • and more...

Save on admission to attractions teens will love

Many of these teen-friendly London attractions are available on one of Go City's London passes and you can save up to 50% on entry compared to paying individually at the gate for each one - perfect!

The London Eye

Image of Cityscape, Urban, Housing, House, City, Metropolis,

This massive observation wheel is a must for everyone, and is nothing to be scoffed at by even the most skeptical teen. A leisurely 30-minute rotation brings passengers high above the city for some of the most beautiful views of this amazing town. With such varied architecture, old and new, everyone will find something striking to snap a picture of. The London Eye is the perfect opportunity for that all-important Instagram post or to take some top TikTok footage, so be sure their phones are charged and ready to go!

Wembley Stadium Tour

Image of Football, Soccer,

For any sports fans, a tour of Wembley Stadium is a must. This hallmark of English football, Wembley Stadium is the country’s crowning jewel of stadiums. Host to Olympic football, the FA Cup Finals, and other international play, Wembley is the hot ticket in town. The original Wembley Stadium was built in 1923, and although it’s since been replaced with newer construction, it’s still a very historic site and well worth a visit. Get your picture with a replica of the FA Cup trophy and walk where countless British footballing legends have walked.

Really big sports fans? Why not check out the home of Chelsea FC, Stamford Bridge, Arsenal's Emirates Stadium or the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (home to American Football too!) and tick a few more legendary sports arenas off their bucket lists (and yours)! Go to all four with an All-Inclusive Pass.

Madame Tussauds London

Image of Costume, Person, Shoe, Adult, Male, Man, Face, Head, Photography, Portrait,

While you probably won’t be running into any British royalty on the streets, you can meet tons of famous Brits at Madame Tussauds London, the original location of this wildly successful international business. Here is where it all began – the astonishing process of crafting lifelike replicas of people out of wax. Learn about the history of Madame Tussaud and her radical artistic ideas, and see where modern Madame T’s is today. Plus, how else will you get to hug Harry Styles or meet your favourite MARVEL heroes?

Go for a bike ride

Image of Bicycle, Vehicle,

This is a great thing to do for active teens. If all they really want to do is get out and go, then renting bicycles is the best way to explore the city while burning off some energy. It’s also a perfect chance to check out the city’s great monuments, palaces, landmarks, and more – all at your own pace. Relax in one of London's gorgeous green spaces for a break, stop at an authentic English pub for some food, or do both!

Fancy someone else taking care of the route plan? No problem you can opt for a bike tour too. With a London Bicycle tour you'll get an expert guide to give you all the fun facts and navigate the city streets.

Bikes are easily hirable all over the city with the Santander Bike scheme, just find some bikes, get set up easily online and you're ready to roll.

Sightseeing Bus Tours

Image of Head, Person, Face, Selfie, Happy, Boy, Male, Teen, Laughing, Adult, Female, Woman, Glasses, Child, Girl,

Everyone wants to ride on a double-decker bus in England. It’s practically a rule, that travelers to London should hop aboard one of these famous red buses. Combine that with a route that is perfect for sightseeing - packed full of famous London landmarks, and you’ve got the perfect bus ride. Your teen will love snapping stunning shots and shooting fab footage on any Hop-On Hop-Off tour.

The flexibility of hop-on hop-off is ideal for engaging younger tourists – see something they like? No probs, just ring the bell and hop off to explore, then just get back on the next bus when you're ready to check out somewhere else, or need a break from walking. Plus the informative yet entertaining narration of your tour guides will keep the time spent on the bus from being boring, too.

ZSL London Zoo

Image of Animal, Bird, Penguin, Zoo,

If your teen loves animals, then a visit to ZSL London Zoo in Regent's Park is the pefect choice. You'll get unforgettable animal encounters, witness endangered species up close all while gaining a deeper understanding of global conservation efforts. Wander right through the middle of their immersive habitats, from vibrant rainforests to the majestic Land of the Lions.

London Zoo promises a unique blend of entertainment and education, and aims to promote empathy and environmental awareness among young people. Create lasting memories with your teens as they witness the wonders of animal kingdom and particiapte in interactive exhibitions to spark conversation and make magical vacation memories.

The London Bridge Experience

Image of Adult, Female, Person, Woman, Male, Man, Dungeon, Child, Girl,

Take your teens on an exhilarating historical journey at the London Bridge Experience. Dive into the dark and intriguing past of one of London's most recognisable landmarks. This interactive adventure combines history with immersive theater, and offers a spine-tingling experience for everyone. Go back in time, encountering gripping tales of Vikings, traitors and plague-ridden streets.

With stunning special effects and skilled actors, the London Bridge Experience promises to be an unforgettable blend of entertainment and education. Ignite your teens curiosity about the city and create thrilling memories as you bond over jump scares and creepy characters.

Boat trips on the Thames

Image of Housing, House, Boat, Vehicle, Clock Tower, Tower, Nature, Outdoors, Scenery,

Another great way to explore London is via a relaxing trip down the river. Get stunning views of iconic sites like Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye and Tower Bridge as you sail past. Discover the city from the river with a Hop-on Hop-off ticket for the Uber boat or learn all about London's history on a guided City Cruise.

St. Paul’s Cathedral

Image of Apse, Church, Altar, Prayer, Cathedral,

While you’re probably thinking...no way my kid is interested in an old church, we promise that St. Paul’s Cathedral is much more than that. It’s a grand old cathedral with tremendous history and great significance in London’s history. A visit here is more than just an old building; it’s a chance to see some of the most beautiful artwork in the country and to visit one of the icons of downtown London. Plus, it was designed by Sir Christopher Wren, so fans of architecture will love to scope out this gorgeous 17th century construction.

Hard Rock Cafe

default alt tag

Enjoy some good food in a fun atmosphere at the original Hard Rock Cafe in London. Each location is slightly different, too, so even if you've been to a Hard Rock Cafe before, the London version has something new and exciting to offer. Your teens will probably appreciate the uncomplicated menu of classics (especially if they’re picky eaters) after dealing with sorting out bangers from mash and whether chips are fries or what. And sometimes, an exhausting day of exploration just calls for a great burger to top it all off.

TV & Movie Walking Tours

Image of Accessories, Bag, Handbag, Head, Person, Face, City, Photography, Portrait, Child, Female, Girl, Baby,

These walking tour options are going to be favorites if your teen is a fan of pop culture. Especially since the British TV craze has really swept America in the last few years, we’re sure they’ll find a British show they love. Whether they’re lovers of Downton Abbey or Bridget Jones or follow Sherlock’s escapades with bated breath, there’s a tour for them. There’s also a James Bond walking tour with those with a taste for action and adventure, and Harry Potter tours for those more magically minded.

See places where major scenes from shows and films were filmed, and get a greater sense of the reality behind these fictional versions of London you've all come to love. Brit Movie Tours offer different tour options based on your favourtie flicks or take the London Film Walk and get a bit of everything!

Shopping

Image of City, Urban, Shop,

While they’re probably not super interested in that postcard of Big Ben or the tiny London Eye snow globe you found, they definitely want some souvenirs of their trip. A good way to help them find souvenirs is by letting them loose to shop. Some good places to look for big brands and flagship stores are Carnaby Street, Oxford Street, and Regent Street. There are also some great secondhand shops in Notting Hill, and British brands like Doc Martens all over the place. For somewhere more cute and authentic, try Camden Market or Portobello Road – perfect for cute holiday pictures and videos and a more creative mix of independent shops.

Stroll the Parks

Another great way to get outdoors is with a jaunt through one of London’s many famous and beautiful parks. Hyde Park is probably the most well known, with its vast open spaces for picnicking, Frisbee, or lounging in the sun. There are plenty of other park options as well, many of which include botanical gardens (which are themselves pretty awesome): a few of the most famous include Kensington Gardens (stop by Kensington Palace while you’re there), St. James’ Park, and The Regent’s Park.

Don't forget to save on entry

There you have it. Our list of some of the most fun things to do in London for teens. Whether you’re dealing with massive Harry Potter fans, kids who just can’t wait to spot some celebrities or teens who want nothing more than to come home with a London sweatshirt, there’s an option to keep them entertained. Remember, many of these great activities are available on a pass from Go City – with an All-Inclusive Pass or an Explorer Pass you can save up to 50% on combined admission verus paying at the gate, plus all you need is on a handy app.

Love this article? Why not share it:

Buy with confidence

Free cancellation

Plans can change, we get it. All non-activated passes are eligible for a refund within 90 days from your purchase date.

Find out more

Help

Confused? We're here to help!

See our FAQs

We're kind of popular, but don't just take our word for it.

Have a 5% discount, on us!

Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, trip inspiration and attraction updates straight to your inbox.

  • Thick check Icon