Lifestyle Trend:Discover lifestyle trends, travel ideas, and practical tips related to Lifestyle Trend: 21 best things to do in London, including 10 important sights, 6 family activities, and 4 unique gems You Should Know – You Should Know
Not that we’re biased or anything, but as residents of London, we do have to say it is the best city in the world. The majority of the Cosmopolitan UK team live in London, our office is based in the city centre and as someone who grew up spending most weekends in the capital, I’m pretty well placed to advise on the essential things to do in London.
With everything from historic palaces, to ancient churches, to weird and wonderful things to do like an actual Shrek experience, there is no end to the list of things you can do in the city. And if you’re travelling from overseas and only have a short time to see everything in, we’ve rounded up the best things to do during your stay here. Oh, and don’t forget to check out e-sims before you travel and when you’re here, we’d always recommend relying on the app CityMapper to help you make your way around.
Without further a do these are our favourite must-see sights in London and some rather unique adventures too.
The best sights in London
1.The London Eye
Where: London Eye, Riverside Building, County Hall, London SE1 7PB
When: 10am to 8:30pm
Need to book ahead?: Ideally yes
One of the best ways to see the sights of London is from up high and in one of the pods of the London Eye, which was built to celebrate the millennium in 2000. A full turn of the iconic wheel takes around 30 minutes and ticket prices start from £29 if you book online in advance.
2. Tower of London
Where: Tower of London, London, EC3N 4AB
When: Everyday
Need to book ahead?: Ideally yes
One of London’s most iconic palaces that dates back to the 1100s, that is open everyday apart from 24, 25 and 26 December. At the Palace you can simply do a walk past and take in the beauty and history of the building. However, we’d recommend a trip inside too. As part of your ticket you get access to see the real crown jewels, learn more about the ravens who are known as the Guardians of the Tower, and visit the Bloody Tower, to uncover its gruesome history.
3. Buckingham Palace
Where: Buckingham Palace, London SW1A 1AA
When: Everyday
Need to book ahead?: Yes
The historic Buckingham Palace where King Charles and Queen Camilla live for most of the year is free to walk up to every single day and take pictures of. In the summer from 10 July to 28 September the Palace is open for visitors to do guided tours. You can either book tickets in advance which we recommend as they are slightly cheaper and you’re guaranteed a ticket. Or if you happen to be in the area they are available on the day.
4. The Greenwich Meridian Line and Observatory
Where: Royal Observatory, Blackheath Ave, London SE10 8XJ
When: Open everyday apart from 24 to 26 December
Need to book ahead?: Ideally yes
Greenwich is the perfect area in London for a dedicated day trip with a mixture of activities. There’s the market, the park (which makes for great views over London) and many museums including the National Maritime Museum and Cutty Sark, but the coolest thing of all is the Greenwich Meridian Line which you can see if you go into the Royal Observatory. Tickets start from £24 for adults.
5. St Paul’s Cathedral
Where: St. Paul’s Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD
When: Monday to Saturday
Need to book ahead?: Ideally yes
St Paul’s Cathedral is believed to have been consecrated around 604 and still functions as a place of worship. You can visit as a tourist throughout the week apart from on Sundays. It’s best to book your tickets in advance to ensure you can visit when you want to. Make sure as part of your tour around the Cathedral you visit the Whispering Gallery. Oh and be prepared to climb a lot of steps during your visit.
6. Westminster Abbey
Where: Dean’s Yard, London SW1P 3PA
When: Open everyday but check opening times
Need to book ahead?: Ideally yes
Westminster Abbey has been around since the 1000s, and has been the location for over 40 coronations for British monarchs, including our current king, King Charles III. Even if you don’t go inside the Abbey it’s well worth a walk past to take in the historic building. However, you can also book tickets to go inside the Abbey, which is still used as a functioning place of worship, so be sure to book tickets in advance to make sure you can visit when you want to.
7. National Gallery
Where: Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN
When: Everyday
Need to book ahead?: No
I personally don’t think a trip to London can be completed without a visit to the National Gallery. First of all, it’s free, which is always a yes in my book. Secondly, it is jam-packed with some of the most amazing art work. From British classics such as Turner’s ‘The Fighting Temeraire’, to John Constable’s ‘The Hay Wain’, to paintings from further afield such as Van Gogh’s ‘Sunflowers’ and Botticelli’s ‘Venus and Mars’, there’s so much to see. And to make sure you don’t miss out on the best the gallery has to offer, if you head to the National Gallery’s website before you go they have a pictured list of all the best paintings and where to find them in the gallery. A great way to make sure you don’t miss anything and can also be turned into a game for children.
8. British Museum
Where: Great Russell St, London WC1B 3DG
When: Open every day
Need to book ahead?: Ideally yes
The British Museum is free to enter, but you should book your tickets online as Saturdays in particular often sell out ahead of time. Once at the museum, there’s so many artefacts from across the globe and various time periods to explore. There’s three floors so plenty to keep you occupied and also plenty of excuse to come back as you invariably won’t be able to see everything in one trip.
9. The Sky Garden
Where: Sky Garden, 1, Sky Garden Walk, London EC3M 8AF
When: Open every day
Need to book ahead?: Yes
If the London Eye isn’t quite your thing but you still want to see London from up high then head to the Sky Garden. It’s completely free, all you need to do is book tickets online and when there you can admire the views of London with a drink in hand from their bar.
10. Take a boat trip down the Thames
Where: The River Thames
When: Every day
Need to book ahead?: Yes depending on your trip, if doing an Uber boat then no
The River Thames is an iconic part of London and so it would be remiss of us to not include a boat trip on it. There’s a few ways you can go with this, you could go all out and book a boat trip with a dinner or afternoon tea involved, or keep things casual and book onto an Uber Boat trip and cruise down the river.
The best things for families to do in London
11. Visit Richmond Park
When: Open everyday
London is filled with stunning parks to spend hours strolling around, coffee in hand, but perhaps our favourite is Richmond Park. It has over 2,500 acres, and is home to some historic trees and many deer (which you may spot if you’re lucky). It’s a great place to take the whole family for a bike ride and picnic in the summer, and there’s also the Petersham Gate Playground to keep kids entertained.
12. Go to Squid Game The Experience
Where: Immerse LDN, ExCeL Waterfront, London, E16 1XL
When: Friday to Mondays
Need to book ahead?: Yes
Ever watched Squid Game and thought ‘yeah I could do that’? Well now’s your chance to test out your skills, without the deadly consequences, as Netflix has brought the Squid Game to life. Set over the course of 1 hour you can play five games from the show – Memory Steps, Red Light Green Light, Marbles, Rope Game and the Chair Game. Good luck!
13. Visit Up At The O2
Where: Peninsula Square, London, SE10 0DX
When: Open everyday
Need to book ahead?: Yes
If you love checking out 360° views of London and aren’t afraid of heights, add Up at The O2 to your bucket list. Definitely not your average Saturday afternoon out, strap in and climb to the top of the O2 for stunning views that stretch up to 15 miles away. As well as sunset and twilight climbs, they also offer a glass of celebratory bubbles for special occasions. We’ll go for the champagne option, please.
14. Watch The Greatest Showman in Real Life
Where: West Brompton
When: Wednesday to Sunday
Need to book ahead?: Yes
Inspired by, and featuring the iconic songs of The Greatest Showman, Come Alive is a circus show in the newly designed Empress Museum. Featuring an incredible array of circus performers, this is not a show to miss. Set in a big top, there’s not a bad seat in the house and the two acts, which starts with a breathtaking performance, tell the story of one woman’s journey to become a showman. Expect to clap, sing along and be ready to run away and join the circus.
15. Go to Frameless
Where: 6 Marble Arch, London W1H 7AP
When: Monday to Thursdays 11 am to 6pm, Friday 11am to 10pm, saturday 10am to 10pm, Sunday 10am to 6pm
Need to book ahead?: Yes
Frameless is an immersive art experience, and a great idea to switch things up for the family rather than going to a traditional gallery. There’s 42 masterpieces to see including works from Monet, Dali, and Van Gogh which are shown in large rooms and allow you to immerse yourself completely in the art.
16. See a West End show
London’s West End is legendary with so many shows going on every evening and many matinee performances too. The best ones for families of all ages are Lion King, Mamma Mia, Wicked! and Matilda. And one of our personal favourites that’s new to the West End at the moment is Sing Street, that’s all about celebrating the music of the 80s!
Unique things to do in London
17. Go to the theatre outside
Where: Regent’s Park, NW1 4NR
When: Shows run until 20 September
Need to book ahead?: Yes
With a delicious Regent’s Park backdrop and booming British weather, the Open Air Theatre is a no-brainer for your summer bucket list. 2025 season shows include classic Broadway musical Brigadoon and an adaptation of Malorie Blackman’s bestselling YA novel Noughts & Crosses, featuring Heartstopper actor (*and former Cosmo cover star*) Corinna Brown who shines as privileged, lovestruck Cross Sephy Hadley. Shows run from Monday to Saturday and start at 7:45pm (with two matinee performances on Thursday and Saturdays) which is peak time to catch the capital’s prettiest summer sunsets. Get there early and BYO picnic or grab a pre-show beer, wine or food from inside the venue before finding your spot in the stunning 1,304-seat auditorium.
18. See Witness for the Prosecution
Where: London County Hall, Belvedere Road, SE1 7PB
When: Tuesday to Saturday, 7:30pm, Thursday and Saturday 2:30pm and Sunday 3pm
Need to book ahead?: Yes
Now in its eighth year, Witness For The Prosecution is the theatre show you cannot miss if you’re in London any time soon. Based on Agatha Christie’s novel of the same name and set in the historic London County Hall, the play follows the story of Leonard Vole’s court trial after he is accused of murdering an elderly woman. If you can, get tickets in the jury as this way you’ll be part of the action, and crucially decide if Vole is guilty or not guilty.
19. Head to the Greatest Party This Side of Greece
Where: The 02, Peninsula Square, London SE10 0DX
When: Wednesday to Sunday, matinee and evening performances
Need to book ahead?: Yes
Get ready to sing your heart out at Mamma Mia! The Party. The theatrical dining experience takes you to Nikos Taverna (well within the O2), where you’ll watch an incredible Mamma Mia inspired show, featuring the iconic ABBA songs we all know and love, while tucking into some classic delicious Greek fare.
20. Go to Shrek’s Adventure!
Where: Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd, London SE1 7PB
When: Everyday 11am to 4pm
Need to book ahead?: Yes
Yes this a real thing and it’s everything a Shrek fan could hope for and more. It’s essentially an immersive interactive experience set within the world of Shrek. You can meet Shrek, Fiona and Donkey and play games.
21. Bingo like you’ve never bingo’d before
Where: 90 Worship Street, London, EC2A 2BA
When: Tuesdays to Sundays
Need to book ahead?: Yes
Long gone are the days when bingo meant musty halls and blue-rinses. Hijingo is immersive bingo, that’s like stepping into a dystopian night club. Perfect for girls’ weekends, there are bottomless brunch options on the weekends and various themes that change throughout the year. Prizes, given out on the spot, include everything from winning light-up umbrellas to… a holiday. Legs eleven indeed.
Senior Entertainment and Lifestyle Writer
Lydia Venn is Cosmopolitan UK’s Senior Entertainment and Lifestyle Writer. She covers everything from , to the latest celebrity news. She also writes across our work/life section regularly creating , covering exciting new releases and sharing the latest must-haves. In her role she’s interviewed everyone from Margot Robbie to Niall Horan, and her work has appeared on an episode of . After completing a degree in English at the University of Exeter, Lydia moved into journalism, writing for the , before working as Features Editor at , where she spoke on BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour and Talk Radio. She has an encyclopedic knowledge of Gilmore Girls and 00s teen movies, and in her free time can be found with a margarita in hand watching the Real Housewives on repeat. Find her on .