What to do in London

Activities, attractions and tours

London
London showing night scenes, skyline and a skyscraper
Albert Memorial featuring a garden, autumn colours and heritage architecture
London featuring a city, a square or plaza and a statue or sculpture
London

London Tourist Attractions & Activities

Savvy travellers agree: London is a globetrotter’s dream. The famous musing of Samuel Johnson is true: “When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford.” Indeed, both men and women will find that London fits their fancy and fulfills all of their expectations. When you’ve explored the best things to do in Melbourne and the top attractions in Sydney, a trip to the capital of all things monarchy is in order. From historic buildings to art museums and palatial estates, you’ll never run out of things to see and do in London.

Fun Things to Do in London

London sightseeing is eclectic and exciting. Each borough boasts its own charms, and everything is connected by the famous Underground, otherwise simply known as “the Tube”. Take a spin on the London Eye, which reveals aerial panoramic views of everything London has to offer. Once you’re back on solid ground, march on to the Tower of London and see the Crown Jewels (along with a few ancient loos). Another can’t-miss experience in London is the stoic changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace, which is just as surreal as you might imagine.

London is nothing if not a lover of the arts, which is why the West End lights up with neon bulbs and the smiling faces of theatre-goers every night. Get front row seats to your favourite musical, and then spend your evening stealing the scene at a neighbourhood pub. Indulge your inner art critic with a tour of the National Gallery, and you just might get inspired to paint a mural on the wall of your apartment back home. During the spring and summer, a picnic in Hyde Park will cure any worry, and a slow walk along the River Thames is just the place to daydream yourself into your next big idea.

The allure of London calls, and it’s easy to book your holiday on Expedia.com.au. In addition to great deals on activities, you can bundle your flight and hotel with just a few clicks. Before you know it, you’ll be up and away toward the best London tourist attractions. Just be certain to bring fashions fitting for an afternoon tea and an appetite for fish and chips. Don’t delay—book your holiday to London now and get ready for the getaway of a lifetime.


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Top places to visit

1. Hyde Park

Hyde Park is one of London’s largest and most well-known parks. The park connects with Kensington Gardens and the two combined cover 630 acres (253 hectares). Together they form the centrepiece of a network of parks known as “London’s Green Lung.” Once the private hunting grounds of King Henry VIII, today the park is filled with heritage sites, monuments and events to attend all year-round.
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Hyde Park which includes a garden, a city and a pond

2. Piccadilly Circus

This rather unusual name derives from a tailor named Roger Baker, famous for making the frilled collars worn by men the 17th Century. Contrary to popular belief, the “circus” refers to the circular motion of traffic that trundles around the central statue of the Greek god Anteros. Today, Piccadilly Circus is an amalgamation of bright lights, lavish entertainment and bustling commuters, a scene which attracts thousands of visitors each year, day and night.
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Piccadilly Circus showing heritage architecture, a city and street scenes

3. Buckingham Palace

Home to the British Royal family since 1837, Buckingham Palace has for centuries been at the forefront of true British tradition. Having hosted countless lavish banquets, foreign dignitary receptions and state degrees, this elegant palace has withstood decades of change and stands today as the symbol of Britain’s constitutional monarchy.
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Buckingham Palace featuring château or palace, heritage architecture and a city

4. Tower Bridge

Situated just outside tower hill, the colossal gothic towers straddling the River Thames are a welcoming sight for locals and visitors alike. Soaring majestically up into the London city skyline, Tower Bridge enables around 40,000 vehicles to cross the River Thames every day.
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Tower Bridge showing night scenes, a bridge and a river or creek

5. O2 Arena

The O2 Arena is an award-winning complex that hosts many types of events, such as sports and music. It has a seating capacity of about 20,000 and has held the title as the busiest arena in the world with more than 2 million ticket sales in a calendar year. It was designed with excellent acoustics to prevent echoing.
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O2 Arena which includes modern architecture

6. Big Ben

As you approach Westminster, towering Big Ben comes into view, standing majestically on the banks of the River Thames atop the glorious Houses of Parliament. Romanticised throughout the years in various films such as “Bridget Jones’s Diary”, “Notting Hill” and “Love Actually”, Big Ben is the standing soul of this great city.
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Big Ben which includes heritage architecture, a monument and a city

7. London Eye

The London Eye is a great way to view all the sights of the city from one single standpoint. As you ascend this enormous rotating wheel, watch the city unfold at your feet. On a clear day visitors can see as far as Winsor Castle, almost 40 kilometres away.
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London Eye featuring a high-rise building, rides and night scenes

8. Trafalgar Square

Constructed as a tribute to commemorate the British Victory at Trafalgar in 1805, this lively square attracts a staggering 30 million visitors each year. Famous for its iconic statue of Admiral Lord Nelson, known as Nelson’s Column, the area has for decades been a gathering point for political rallies and New Year celebrations.
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Trafalgar Square which includes a square or plaza, a fountain and night scenes

9. London Bridge

London Bridge is easily one of the most famously named bridges in the world, and the site of the oldest recorded crossing of the River Thames. Walk across the landmark structure, enjoy gorgeous river views and pick up insights into the bridge’s history in its underground vaults.
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London Bridge showing a city

What to do in London


Discover the most popular places to visit in London

Explore areas of London

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London City Centre

4.5/5(2 area reviews)

Iconic landmarks, a world-famous theater district, lively nightlife zones and superb shopping and art museums await in the heart of England’s capital city.

London City Centre
London which includes markets, heritage elements and signage

Covent Garden

Lose yourself in the maze of boutiques and bars or pull up a chair and watch the numerous street performers work their magic in this entertaining district.

Covent Garden
The City of London showing heritage architecture, a city and modern architecture

The City of London

4.5/5(80 area reviews)

Discover a compelling blend of modern culture and rich heritage in London’s financial heart.

The City of London
Admiralty Arch which includes heritage architecture

City of Westminster

4.5/5(470 area reviews)

Once separate from London, this fascinating borough features many of the city’s most important buildings and famous sights, as well as galleries and parks.

City of Westminster
Soho

Soho

Soak up the energy of Soho, where buzzing nightlife, LGBTQ+ pride and star-studded premieres bring the streets to life.

Soho
Paddington featuring a city and a square or plaza

Paddington

Explore the lovely canals and intriguing architecture of this historic neighborhood made famous by a fictional bear from Peru.

Paddington

 

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Day trip destinations from London

Frequently asked questions

Is London worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in London is explore Hyde Park. Check this top sight off your agenda, then experience more of the area's bars and pubs and views.
How do I spend a day in London?
Once you've visited major attractions like Hyde Park and Piccadilly Circus, spend some time experiencing the retail and food options in London.
What is the top tourist attraction in London?
Hyde Park is one of the top tourist attractions in London and should feature high on every sightseeing list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in London?
Three days will give you enough time to check out some popular city sights, such as Hyde Park, Piccadilly Circus and Buckingham Palace. The average stay in London is three days. If you have the time to extend your adventure, West Drayton isn't far away.
Is London a walkable city?
Some leading sights in London, including Hyde Park and Piccadilly Circus, are within walking distance. You can also enjoy several of the city's popular neighbourhoods on foot. Just 0.16 kilometres from central London is London City Centre and City of Westminster is 2 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in London with kids?
What to do in London for adults?
There are plenty of things to do in London, with activities for adults of all ages. End the day with a visit to Fuller's Griffin Brewery or Beefeater Gin Distillery.
Are there free things to do in London?
In London, Hyde Park is a popular spot for anyone wanting to enjoy the city without opening their wallet. Also, wander around the parks and other neighbourhoods, and ask a local tour guide for recommendations. It's a simple way to explore the best free things to do in London.

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