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53 guides · prices checked 24 Oct 2026

The best things to do in London

The Tower of London, the London Eye, Westminster Abbey, a Thames boat and the Harry Potter studio. Here is what to book, what is free and what is worth the price.

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Aerial view of the River Thames and Westminster at sunset, with London stretching to the horizon
Short answer

Start with the Tower of London, the London Eye, Westminster Abbey and a Thames boat. The Tower, the Eye and the Abbey need a ticket, best booked ahead. Many big museums are free, such as the National Gallery and the Natural History Museum.

For 3 days, see the Tower and the river on day 1, then the Abbey and the Eye on day 2. Keep day 3 for a museum or the Harry Potter studio. The studio sells no tickets on the day, so book it early.

Our top 50

Top 50 things to do in London

Ranked by what most visitors come for, with the tour or ticket we would book for each and a guide that compares the options.

  1. The White Tower of the Tower of London behind its gate, with spring trees and blue sky

    Tower of London

    The Crown Jewels, the White Tower and the Beefeater tours, all in one ticket.

    Our pick: Tower of London and Crown Jewels ticket, from €45 per person

  2. The London Eye next to County Hall, seen across the River Thames

    London Eye

    A 30-minute turn on the big wheel by the Thames, with views across the city.

    Our pick: London Eye entry ticket, from €35 per person

  3. The towers of Westminster Abbey under a blue sky with white clouds

    Westminster Abbey

    The church of coronations, with the Coronation Chair and Poets' Corner. The ticket includes a multimedia guide.

    Our pick: Westminster Abbey ticket, from €38 per person

  4. Tower Bridge over the River Thames on a cloudy day

    Thames cruises

    Sightseeing boats run between Westminster, Tower Bridge and Greenwich. A boat is an easy way to see the river sights.

    Our pick: Westminster to Tower Bridge cruise, from €17 per person

  5. Platforms under the arched glass roof of King's Cross station with a train waiting

    Harry Potter studio tour

    The sets, props and costumes from the films, at the studio outside London. There are no tickets on the day, so book ahead.

    Our pick: Harry Potter studio tour with transfers, from €118 per person

  6. Black-and-white night view of St Paul's Cathedral beyond the Millennium Bridge

    St Paul's Cathedral

    Wren's great dome in the City of London, with a ticket that lets you in to look around.

    Our pick: St Paul's Cathedral ticket, from €32 per person

  7. Houses of Parliament and Big Ben lit up at blue hour across the Thames

    Houses of Parliament and Big Ben

    The clock tower and Parliament by the river. A guided walk tells you the stories of Westminster.

    Our pick: Royal Westminster walk by night, from €21 per person

  8. Victoria Memorial and Buckingham Palace across the open forecourt

    Buckingham Palace

    The King's London home. Its State Rooms have been closed since 27 September 2026, but you can watch the Changing of the Guard.

    Our pick: Walk with the Changing of the Guard, from €62 per person

  9. Front of the British Museum with its long row of columns and pediment

    British Museum

    Entry is free, the museum says. A private guide helps you find the big treasures fast.

    Our pick: Private British Museum tour, from €154 per group up to 3

  10. A grand theatre auditorium with tiers of seats under an ornate lit ceiling

    West End shows

    Musicals such as Mamma Mia!, Wicked and The Phantom of the Opera. Show tickets cannot be refunded.

    Our pick: MAMMA MIA! ticket, from €25 per person

  11. A red double-decker bus at a London junction, picked out in colour against black and white

    Hop-on hop-off buses

    Open-top buses loop past the big sights. Get off where you like, then catch the next one.

    Our pick: Vintage open-top bus with a live guide, from €36 per person

  12. The stone walls and towers of Windsor Castle under a dramatic sky

    Day trips from London

    Windsor, Stonehenge, Bath, Oxford and the Cotswolds, on a coach day out from London.

    Our pick: Windsor, Stonehenge and Bath day trip, from €85 per person

  13. The tree-lined Long Walk leading to Windsor Castle

    Windsor Castle

    The royal castle west of London. It is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

    Our pick: Windsor Castle ticket, from €38 per person

  14. Stonehenge on green grass under a deep blue sky

    Stonehenge

    The stone circle on Salisbury Plain, with a ticket on its own or on a day trip.

    Our pick: Stonehenge ticket, from €32 per person

  15. The Winston Churchill statue in Parliament Square facing Big Ben

    Churchill War Rooms

    The rooms where Churchill ran the war, under Westminster.

    Our pick: Westminster tour and War Rooms visit, from €90 per person

  16. Wheels of cheese stacked on a market stall

    Borough Market

    A food market near London Bridge, with guided tasting tours.

    Our pick: Borough Market food tour, from €93 per person

  17. Looking up at the curved glass Walkie-Talkie tower against a blue sky

    Sky Garden

    A garden at the top of the Walkie-Talkie tower. Our guide shows how to get in free, and the music nights.

    Our pick: Music night with a glass of fizz (rated 3.8), from €26 per person

  18. A narrow brick alley in London with graffiti on the walls

    London walking tours

    Walk past 30 sights in a day, or pick street art, Sherlock Holmes or Churchill's London.

    Our pick: Walking tour with 30+ sights, from €23 per person

  19. Battered fish and chips with tartare sauce and ketchup

    London food tours

    Tasting walks in the East End, Soho and Brixton, with a local guide.

    Our pick: East End food tour, from €106 per person

  20. A tiered stand of finger sandwiches and cakes beside a teapot

    Afternoon tea

    Tea, sandwiches and cakes, served in a hotel, a museum or on a bus that tours the sights.

    Our pick: Afternoon tea bus tour, from €70 per person

  21. The Queen Victoria statue and pool in front of Kensington Palace

    Kensington Palace

    A royal palace in Kensington Gardens. The Queen's State Apartments are closed until spring 2027.

    Our pick: Kensington Palace ticket, from €16 per person

  22. Formal gardens with clipped topiary and a fountain at Hampton Court Palace

    Hampton Court Palace

    Henry VIII's palace by the Thames, with its formal gardens.

    Our pick: Windsor and Hampton Court trip, from €106 per person

  23. The baroque painted walls and ceiling of the Painted Hall in Greenwich

    Greenwich

    Take the boat for the Painted Hall and the park. The Royal Observatory closes on 2 November 2026 until summer 2027.

    Our pick: Westminster to Greenwich cruise, from €21 per person

  24. Shakespeare's Globe, the white timber-framed thatched theatre on Bankside, under a blue sky

    Shakespeare's Globe

    A guided tour of the open-air theatre on the South Bank.

    Our pick: Globe Theatre guided tour, from €33 per person

  25. Brick vaulted arches receding into a dim underground passage

    London Dungeon

    A scary walk through London's dark past, with actors.

    Our pick: London Dungeon ticket, from €32 per person

  26. Curving rows of orange stadium seats

    Football stadium tours

    Go behind the scenes at Chelsea, Wembley, Tottenham and Fulham.

    Our pick: Chelsea stadium and museum tour, from €41 per person

  27. A football match at dusk in a full stadium

    Premier League matches

    Match days at Spurs, Arsenal and Fulham. Match tickets cannot be refunded.

    Our pick: Tottenham Hotspur match ticket, from €179 per person

  28. A narrow terraced street at night with a few lit windows

    Jack the Ripper tours

    Walks through the East End on the trail of the Ripper case.

    Our pick: The Original Jack the Ripper walk, from €26 per person

  29. A rough memorial stone among ivy-covered graves in an overgrown cemetery

    Ghost tours

    Ghost walks on foot, and a comedy horror tour on a bus.

    Our pick: Comedy horror ghost bus, from €25 per person

  30. A busy bar with shelves of bottles and old penny-farthing bicycles overhead

    Pubs, gin and cocktails

    Walks to historic pubs, plus gin and cocktail tours.

    Our pick: Historic pubs walking tour, from €42 per person

  31. Bronze faces of the Beatles statue with historic buildings behind

    Beatles tours

    Abbey Road and the Beatles' London, or a day in Liverpool.

    Our pick: Beatles and Abbey Road tour, from €24 per person

  32. A vintage red Routemaster bus on route 15 to Tower Hill at night

    London at night

    Open-top buses through the city after dark.

    Our pick: London by night bus tour, from €30 per person

  33. A microphone under a spotlight in a dark, hazy room

    Comedy shows

    Stand-up nights in comedy clubs, on a boat and on a barge.

    Our pick: Big Belly comedy night, from €15 per person

  34. A red and a black London taxi on a road beside bare trees

    Black cab tours

    A private tour of the sights in a London taxi.

    Our pick: Black cab tour with hotel pickup, from €380 per group up to 6

  35. Row of colourful terraced houses along a Notting Hill street

    Notting Hill

    Portobello Road, its market and the pastel streets around it.

    Our pick: Notting Hill walking tour, from €24 per person

  36. The red-brick Camden Lock market building beside the Regent's Canal

    Camden

    Street food at Camden Market, then a canal boat from Camden Lock.

    Our pick: Canal boat ride from Camden Lock, from €27 per person

  37. A bicycle standing on a leafy tree-lined path

    London bike tours

    Guided rides through the parks and past the palaces, with bike and helmet.

    Our pick: Classic Gold 3.5-hour bike tour, from €48 per person

  38. The white O2 dome across the Thames with Canary Wharf behind

    Up at The O2

    Climb over the roof of The O2 for views across the Thames.

    Our pick: O2 rooftop climb, from €44 per person

  39. County Hall lit up at night beside the glowing London Eye on the Thames

    Shrek's Adventure

    A walk-through Shrek show for families.

    Our pick: Shrek's Adventure ticket, from €25 per person

  40. A sculpture hall with red walls and white marble statues

    V&A museum

    Entry is free. A private guide shows you the art and design halls.

    Our pick: Private V&A tour, from €236 per group up to 6

  41. Eiffel Tower lit golden against a cloudy evening sky

    Paris day trip

    A day in Paris from London, with a guided tour and a Seine cruise.

    Our pick: Paris day trip with Seine cruise, from €310 per person

  42. The round Radcliffe Camera library in Oxford under a pale sky

    Oxford

    Oxford's colleges on a day out, often with Windsor or Stonehenge too.

    Our pick: Windsor, Oxford and Stonehenge trip, from €87 per person

  43. Punts passing under the Bridge of Sighs in Cambridge

    Cambridge

    Punting on the River Cam and walks past the colleges.

    Our pick: River Cam punting tour, from €35 per group up to 3

  44. Stone arches and steps around the green water of the Roman Baths

    Bath

    The Roman Baths and the old city, on a day trip.

    Our pick: Windsor, Stonehenge and Bath trip, from €94 per person

  45. Stone cottages with climbing plants along a street in Bibury

    The Cotswolds

    Stone villages in the hills, on a small-group day out.

    Our pick: Cotswolds small-group tour, from €94 per person

  46. Old stone Clopton Bridge over the River Avon at Stratford-upon-Avon

    Stratford-upon-Avon

    Shakespeare's home town on the River Avon.

    Our pick: Stratford-upon-Avon day trip, from €106 per person

  47. The tall Gothic nave of Canterbury Cathedral

    Canterbury and Dover

    Canterbury's cathedral and old streets, with Dover on some trips.

    Our pick: Canterbury walking tour, from €19 per person

  48. Brighton Palace Pier stretching out from the pebble beach under a blue sky

    Brighton and the Seven Sisters

    The seaside at Brighton and the white cliffs of the Seven Sisters.

    Our pick: Seven Sisters and Brighton trip, from €90 per person

  49. Blenheim Palace across a sunny lawn, framed by cedar branches

    Blenheim Palace

    A grand palace and park near Oxford.

    Our pick: Blenheim Palace ticket, from €37 per person

  50. An empty airport terminal in front of a tall glass wall overlooking the airfield

    Airport lounges

    Day passes for lounges at Heathrow and Gatwick. The ones we found are rated under 4.0.

    Our pick: Gatwick premium lounge (rated 3.6), from €36 per person

The 7 tickets we would book in London

Four big sights, a river pass, an evening show and the Harry Potter studio. All seven showed free cancellation on GetYourGuide when we checked. GetYourGuide shows prices in your own currency.

  • The Tower of London with the City of London's glass towers behind it from €45 per person Our top pick

    4.6 (33,257) reviews on GetYourGuide

    Tower of London and Crown Jewels ticket

    Entry to the Tower, the Crown Jewels and the Medieval Palace. The public Beefeater tours and the children’s trails are included. There is no skip-the-line entry.

    Best for A first visit, and history

    Check availability: Tower of London and Crown Jewels ticket on GetYourGuide
  • A glass capsule on the London Eye against a blue sky from €35 per person

    30 minutes 4.6 (40,804) reviews on GetYourGuide

    London Eye entry ticket

    A 30-minute turn on the wheel by the Thames, 135 metres above the city. Pick a standard or a fast-track ticket. A guide app is free to download.

    Best for Views and photos

    Check availability: London Eye entry ticket on GetYourGuide
  • The Gothic north front of Westminster Abbey with its rose window and spires from €38 per person

    2 hours 4.6 (14,642) reviews on GetYourGuide

    Westminster Abbey ticket

    Entry to the church of coronations, with the Coronation Chair and Poets’ Corner. A multimedia guide comes with the ticket. Plan about 2 hours.

    Best for History and royal London

    Check availability: Westminster Abbey ticket on GetYourGuide
  • from €32 per person

    2 h 30 min 4.6 (24,178) reviews on GetYourGuide

    Madame Tussauds London ticket

    Wax figures of stars and the Royal Family, plus the Spirit of London ride and a Marvel 4D film. The Chamber of Horrors is included. Plan about 2.5 hours.

    Best for Families with kids

    Check availability: Madame Tussauds London ticket on GetYourGuide
  • View from a boat on the River Thames towards the Shard at sunset, with the boat's wake in the water from €12 per person

    1 day pass 4.5 (1,011) reviews on GetYourGuide

    One-day river pass

    Hop on and off City Cruises boats all day at Greenwich, Tower, London Eye and Westminster piers. The captain gives a commentary in English.

    Best for Getting around by boat

    Check availability: One-day river pass on GetYourGuide
  • from €34 per person

    50 minutes 4.5 (325) reviews on GetYourGuide

    Luminiscence at Westminster Cathedral

    A seated 50-minute show of light, sound and music inside Westminster Cathedral. The script is voiced by Hugh Bonneville. It is not Westminster Abbey.

    Best for An evening out

    Check availability: Luminiscence at Westminster Cathedral on GetYourGuide
  • from €118 per person

    7–8 hours 4.7 (13,252) reviews on GetYourGuide

    Harry Potter studio tour with transfers

    A return coach from Bedford Way to the Warner Bros. studio, with your entry ticket. You get at least 3.5 hours inside. There is no guide on the tour.

    Best for Harry Potter fans

    Check availability: Harry Potter studio tour with transfers on GetYourGuide

London tickets compared

London tickets compared
TicketFromDurationWho it suitsWhy we picked it
Tower of London and Crown Jewels ticket 4.6 (33,257)€45
per person		Not statedA first visit, and historyThe Tower’s own ticket, sold by Historic Royal Palaces: 4.6 from 33,257 reviews.
London Eye entry ticket 4.6 (40,804)€35
per person		30 minutesViews and photosThe most-reviewed of our picks: 4.6 from 40,804 reviews.
Westminster Abbey ticket 4.6 (14,642)€38
per person		2 hoursHistory and royal LondonThe Abbey’s own ticket: 4.6 from 14,642 reviews.
Madame Tussauds London ticket 4.6 (24,178)€32
per person		2 h 30 minFamilies with kidsA big indoor day out for families: 4.6 from 24,178 reviews.
One-day river pass 4.5 (1,011)€12
per person		1 day passGetting around by boatThe cheapest way on our list to link the river sights: from €12.
Luminiscence at Westminster Cathedral 4.5 (325)€34
per person		50 minutesAn evening outSomething different for an evening: 4.5 from 325 reviews.
Harry Potter studio tour with transfers 4.7 (13,252)€118
per person		7–8 hoursHarry Potter fansThe studio ticket and the ride in one booking: 4.7 from 13,252 reviews.

  • Tower of London and Crown Jewels ticket

    €45 per person 4.6 (33,257)

    Details
    Who it suits
    A first visit, and history
    Why we picked it
    The Tower’s own ticket, sold by Historic Royal Palaces: 4.6 from 33,257 reviews.

  • London Eye entry ticket

    €35 per person30 minutes 4.6 (40,804)

    Details
    Who it suits
    Views and photos
    Why we picked it
    The most-reviewed of our picks: 4.6 from 40,804 reviews.

  • Westminster Abbey ticket

    €38 per person2 hours 4.6 (14,642)

    Details
    Who it suits
    History and royal London
    Why we picked it
    The Abbey’s own ticket: 4.6 from 14,642 reviews.

  • Madame Tussauds London ticket

    €32 per person2 h 30 min 4.6 (24,178)

    Details
    Who it suits
    Families with kids
    Why we picked it
    A big indoor day out for families: 4.6 from 24,178 reviews.

  • One-day river pass

    €12 per person1 day pass 4.5 (1,011)

    Details
    Who it suits
    Getting around by boat
    Why we picked it
    The cheapest way on our list to link the river sights: from €12.

  • Luminiscence at Westminster Cathedral

    €34 per person50 minutes 4.5 (325)

    Details
    Who it suits
    An evening out
    Why we picked it
    Something different for an evening: 4.5 from 325 reviews.

  • Harry Potter studio tour with transfers

    €118 per person7–8 hours 4.7 (13,252)

    Details
    Who it suits
    Harry Potter fans
    Why we picked it
    The studio ticket and the ride in one booking: 4.7 from 13,252 reviews.
  • None of the 7 includes hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point.
  • All 7 offer free cancellation.
  • Prices and ratings as shown on GetYourGuide on 24 October 2026. Prices are "from" prices in euros and can change; the booking page shows the live price.

Things to do in London with children

With children, pick Madame Tussauds, the London Eye and a boat on the river.

The Tower of London ticket includes children’s activity trails. The river pass has activities for children on board. The Science Museum and the Natural History Museum are free, but book a free ticket first.

With teenagers

Teenagers like the Marvel 4D film and the Star Wars room at Madame Tussauds. Harry Potter fans can spend a whole day at the studio. The Eye is good for photos of the city.

Fun, unusual and free things to do in London

Many of the best things to do in London are free. The big museums below cost nothing to enter, though some exhibitions charge.

  • Free museums: the National Gallery, the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, the V&A, Tate Modern and Tate Britain. The British Museum also says entry is free.
  • A canal boat: a 90-minute ride from Camden Lock passes London Zoo and Regent’s Park on the way to Little Venice. It costs from €27.
  • Street art: a 2-hour walk in Shoreditch and Brick Lane shows work by about 40 artists. It costs from €21.
  • A light show: Luminiscence fills Westminster Cathedral with light and music for 50 minutes.

Things to do in London today

For today, go to a free museum. The National Gallery opens daily from 10am to 6pm, and to 9pm on Fridays. Tate Modern opens at 10am every day. The V&A is mostly closed on 29 and 30 October 2026.

The Natural History Museum and the Science Museum ask you to book a free ticket online. The live list at the bottom of this page shows which tours you can still book for today.

What a London trip costs

In the 2026 London Travel Cost Study, a mid-range trip of 4 nights for two came to about £1,500, or £188 per person per day, with a shared 4-star room, two meals out a day, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour and the Tower of London.

4 nights for two, mid-range
£1,500
per person per day
£188

Booking tips for London

  1. Book ahead, then go early

    Buy your ticket online before you go. None of our ticket picks includes skip-the-line entry, so an early start helps.

  2. If your plans change

    All seven picks showed free cancellation on GetYourGuide on 24 October 2026. Check the rules on the booking page before you pay.

  3. Tap to ride

    Tap a contactless card or phone on the Tube and buses. Use the same card each time. Buses do not take cash.

  4. Before you fly

    Most visitors need a UK ETA (electronic travel authorisation). It costs £20 on gov.uk. British and Irish passport holders do not need one.

Questions people ask about London

What should I do with 3 days in London?
On day 1, see the Tower of London, then take a boat up the river to Westminster. On day 2, visit Westminster Abbey and ride the London Eye. Keep day 3 for a free museum or the Harry Potter studio.

Why should I visit London?
Many of its big museums are free, from the National Gallery to Tate Modern. You can see royal sights like the Tower and Westminster Abbey. Boats on the Thames link many of them.

Where is the best place to stay in London for sightseeing?
Covent Garden, the South Bank and Westminster are close to the big sights. Our guide Where to stay in London compares six areas, with hotels rated 8 or higher on Booking.com.

Do I need to book London attractions in advance?
For the big ones, yes. The Harry Potter studio sells no tickets on the day, so book it early. For the Tower, the Eye and the Abbey, booking online lets you pick your day.

What is free to do in London?
The National Gallery, the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, the V&A, Tate Modern and Tate Britain are free. Some exhibitions charge. The Natural History Museum and the Science Museum ask you to book a free ticket.

More things to do in London, live

More London experiences with live prices and availability, straight from GetYourGuide.

See every London tour with today's prices and open dates on GetYourGuide.

Browse all on GetYourGuide

Browse all of them on GetYourGuide

Every London guide

Landmarks, palaces & views

Tours, food & nights out

Day trips & planning

Sources (10), facts checked on 24 October 2026

Written by the Things to Do in London editorial team.