United Kingdom
Things to do in London
London's big museums, including the British Museum, the National Gallery, Tate Modern and the Natural History Museum, are free, so the budget goes on the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey and West End shows. Markets such as Borough and Maltby Street make good food-tour territory, and Windsor, Oxford, Bath and Stonehenge are all day trips.
- Tower of London and the Crown Jewels
- Westminster Abbey
- Borough Market food tour
- Thames river cruise
Experiences in London
Top-rated experiences in London
Free cancellation on most experiences. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Highlights
- Tower of London and the Crown Jewels
- Westminster Abbey
- Borough Market food tour
- Thames river cruise
- Stonehenge and Bath day trip
- Royal parks bike tour
Best time to visit
May to September has the longest days and the best odds of dry weather, with July and August the busiest. December is popular for Christmas markets and lights, but daylight ends before 4 pm.
Getting around
The Underground, buses and walking cover the city; tap a contactless card or phone and daily fares are capped automatically. From Heathrow the Elizabeth line or the Heathrow Express reach central London, and the Gatwick Express runs to Victoria.
Local tips
- Westminster Abbey is generally closed to sightseers on Sundays, when it is open only for worship.
- Big free museums still recommend booking a free timed slot for popular exhibitions and at weekends.
- Borough Market is busiest on Saturdays; a weekday morning visit is calmer and most traders are open.
Day trips from London
- Windsor
- Oxford
- Stonehenge and Bath
- The Cotswolds
Frequently asked questions
What are the top things to do in London?
The most booked experiences in London are Tower of London and the Crown Jewels, Westminster Abbey, Borough Market food tour and Thames river cruise.
When is the best time to visit London?
May to September has the longest days and the best odds of dry weather, with July and August the busiest. December is popular for Christmas markets and lights, but daylight ends before 4 pm.
How do I get around London?
The Underground, buses and walking cover the city; tap a contactless card or phone and daily fares are capped automatically. From Heathrow the Elizabeth line or the Heathrow Express reach central London, and the Gatwick Express runs to Victoria.
Do I need to book tours in London in advance?
For headline sights and small-group tours, yes: popular slots sell out in high season. Most partners offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
How many days do I need in London?
Two to three full days cover the main sights, plus one day for each day trip you want to add.