Top 10 Things to Do in London

The biggest city in England and among the most multicultural cities in the world, London, popularly known as “The City of Dreams,” serves as the nation's hub for culture, transportation, as well as economy.  And here is an interesting fact, it is one of the most varied cities in the world and over 300 different languages are spoken there.

Whether you want to take day trips from London, spend evenings in museums, take in the best live performances, visit bars, or enjoy history, this city offers something for everyone. And if you are a shopping enthusiast, there is a market and mall for every specialty. So, if you are planning to visit the city anytime soon, we have got you covered! Here is a list of the 10 best things to do in London. Check them out and make your trip to the city a memorable one.

Visit the Buckingham Palace which served as the official house of the United Kingdom's royal family since the year 1837 and is one of the world's few surviving operational royal palaces. The palace is available to visitors for ten weeks every summer and on specific days in spring and winter; therefore tickets must be reserved well in advance. The guided tour allows you to visit the spectacular State Rooms, which are adorned with great art, furniture, as well as antique treasures. Other interesting features involve the Throne room, Grand Staircase, and Ballroom, plus a stroll through the magnificent Palace Garden.

Explore the famous Gothic design Houses of Parliament which serves as the home of the British Parliament, and its renowned clock tower, commonly referred to as Big Ben, served as the world's timekeeper for more than a century. The ringing of the chimes is nearly as well-known as the clock tower, and it has been imitated across the globe. Beginning at Westminster Station, you may visit the monuments in Parliament Square prior to crossing Westminster Bridge to capture a famous shot with Parliament Buildings in the backdrop. Continue across the bridge towards the southern Bank for a breathtaking panorama beyond the river.

From the Tyrannosaurus Rex era to the current day, the Natural History Museum offers an entertaining and engaging experience that focuses on the growth and development of the natural world. The museum illustrates the wonder of life on Earth with a mix of real dinosaur skeletons as well as interactive exhibits. There are many fun activities for the whole family in the museum, including an earthquake simulator and a real piece of moon rock in the geology area

The West End's pedestrian-friendly Covent Garden is a fantastic public space for taking in London's energy. It's home to a wide range of dining spots, from popular chains to upscale fine dining establishments, as well as tourist traps serving microwaved meals, ensuring plenty of options to choose from. Nevertheless, it's a pleasure to sip a drink while enjoying the performances of Convent Garden's street entertainers. Moreover, get yourself a desired table on the Punch and Judy pub's terrace for the finest view, and visit Covent Garden Market to discover a range of fresh vegetables, arts & crafts, and antiques.

Oxford Street is the premier shopping destination in England, featuring upscale department stores like Selfridges and flagship locations for many leading British brands. It’s also a great spot to find quirky and affordable souvenirs from street vendors. To experience this shopping haven, take the Tube to Tottenham Court Road station and explore the length of Oxford Street, with Marble Arch at one end and Oxford Circus station as a convenient reference point midway. If you’re interested in trendy fashion, be sure to check out the iconic Carnaby Street for a fun diversion. During the holiday season, Oxford Street truly comes alive with hundreds of twinkling Christmas lights and creative window displays, making it a particularly enchanting place to shop.

A visit to the West End is among the absolute things to do in London, where Live Theater and musicals specifically characterize the thriving entertainment scene of the city. This is among some of the best places in the world to see artistic performance, with everything from timeless masterpieces such as Les Misérables up to the newest blockbusters and a ton of Fringe Theater created by young performers.

Tower Bridge stretches across the Thames River and connects City Hall to the iconic Tower. It is one of the best London attractions to visit. As a bascule bridge, it accommodates both vehicle and pedestrian traffic, with sections in the center that can be raised to allow taller boats and river traffic to pass through. It also has a museum with Victorian engine chambers where you can explore and understand how the bridge works. You can also take a walk over its elevated walkways, which are almost 40 meters above the lake. It's undoubtedly among the top activities to do in the city of London, and the view from up there is among the best in the entire capital.

Spitalfields Market is well known for its antique merchants, avant-garde fashion businesses, and laid-back vibe. Although it is open daily, the best assortment of handcrafted goods from a number of London's best-emerging designers can be found here on weekends. Items range from headgear with African influences to women's trench coats adorned with manga themes. Furthermore, you may also eat at several franchised eateries or get some fresh produce at the wet market in addition to the amazing shopping.  

Chinatown Gate, a monument in and of itself, serves as the imposing entryway to London's renowned Chinatown neighborhood. The gateway is embellished with finely crafted Chinese characters and is decorated with vivid red and gold that is connected with Chinese culture. After taking some photos at the entry point, you'll find yourself on a street lined with grocery stores, souvenir shops, and an array of Chinese eateries. Also, don’t forget to find out the exact timings of the famous Chinese New Year on your calendar if you're fortunate enough to be there in January or February because the dragon dance and the yearly procession serve as an amazing thing to behold there.

Standing over 1,000 feet (305 meters) tall, The Shard is a striking glass skyscraper resembling a massive icicle and is visible from every borough in London. Begin your evening in the city with dinner and cocktails at the Shangri-La, located on the thirty-fourth to fifty-second floors, offering a perfect launchpad for your London night. Here, you can savor the stunning skyline as you dine. For an exceptional culinary experience, Aqua Shard serves modern British cuisine, making it an ideal choice for dinner and drinks amidst the chic array of eateries and cocktail bars. To cap off your evening, don’t miss the Gong bar, where you can enjoy a view-filled nightcap that showcases the city’s breathtaking panorama.