London is one of my favourite cities in the world to visit. There’s an array of things to see and do, whether you’re an art history buff or love eating your way around a city. If you find yourself in London for the first time, it can be difficult to know what to see and what to skip to ensure you make the most of your visit. So here are my top 10 favourite things to do in London!
The British Museum
The British Museum is one of the world’s greatest museums and houses a vast collection of art and artefacts from all over the world. The highlights include the Rosetta Stone, the Parthenon sculptures, and the Egyptian mummies. Best of all, it’s free to visit and offers a great range of interactive exhibits for all ages.
The Tower of London
The Tower of London is a historic castle that has played an important role in English history for over 900 years. Visitors can see the Crown Jewels, explore the medieval castle walls, and learn about the Tower’s grim past as a prison and execution site.
Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is the official residence of the British monarch and has been the home of the royal family since 1837. Visitors can watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony, tour the State Rooms, and see some of the royal art collection.
The London Eye
The London Eye is a giant Ferris wheel that offers breathtaking views of the city. From the top of the Eye, you can see landmarks such as Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
The National Gallery
The National Gallery is a world-class art museum located in Trafalgar Square. The museum’s collection includes works by famous artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Vincent van Gogh, and Rembrandt.
Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey is a stunning Gothic church that has been the site of numerous royal coronations, weddings, and burials. Visitors can see the graves of famous historical figures such as Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, and Geoffrey Chaucer.
The Tate Modern
The Tate Modern is a modern art museum located in a converted power station on the banks of the River Thames. The museum’s collection includes works by contemporary artists such as Damien Hirst, Tracey Emin, and Ai Weiwei.
The British Library
The British Library is the national library of the United Kingdom and has a collection of over 170 million items, including books, manuscripts, and music scores. Visitors can see rare historical documents such as the Magna Carta and the Gutenberg Bible.
Camden Market
Camden Market is a vibrant marketplace that offers a range of unique shops, street food vendors, and live music performances. It’s a great place to find quirky souvenirs and try a variety of international cuisine.
Soho
As far as neighbourhoods go in London, Soho is my favourite. This area is incredibly vibrant, drawing crowds no matter what time of day. The best way to see and experience Soho is to walk around it, hopping between cafes and restaurants, depending on what you are seeking. Some of my favourite Soho haunts include Crumbs & Doilies bakery, Santa Nata for Portuguese tarts and Bar Lina for a drink in the early evening.
So, what are you waiting for? London is a city full of things to see and do, many of them free to visit. As one of my favourite cities in the world to visit, I cannot express how much I love this city! Be sure to allow plenty of time for sight seeing, but equal parts enjoy some down time wandering the streets.