Written by Graham Smith, Hannah McKinsey, Jake Evans, Karen Price, Sandra Frank
26/08/2025
Pixabay, Pexels
London presents a captivating mix of historic landmarks and contemporary attractions, appealing to visitors with its rich cultural tapestry, diverse culinary scene, and renowned entertainment options. It caters to a wide array of interests, from deep dives into history and family-friendly outings to engaging with art and experiencing dynamic urban nightlife.
For travelers looking to connect with others, areas such as Soho, Shoreditch, and Camden Town are vibrant social hubs. Soho buzzes with its energetic nightlife, featuring numerous bars and theatres. Shoreditch is celebrated for its street food, eclectic vintage markets, and lively atmosphere, with venues like The Big Chill Bar providing a relaxed setting to meet people. Camden Town also offers a fun and active nightlife, often with live music, and certain hostel bars, such as Belushi's, are known for their social appeal to backpackers.
Top 7 Things to do in London
Visitors can immerse themselves in London's rich history, diverse culture, and impressive artistic offerings, alongside enjoying culinary delights and panoramic city views.
1. Tower of London
Steeped in nearly a thousand years of history, the Tower of London has served as a royal palace, fortress, and infamous prison. Guests can witness the Crown Jewels, learn about its past from the Yeoman Warders (Beefeaters), and explore its various towers. It is highly recommended to book tickets in advance to manage crowds and ensure entry.
Cost: Adult tickets are approximately £35.80.
Transport: Reach the Tower of London by taking the Tube to Tower Hill station (District or Circle Line). The entrance is a short walk from the station.
2. British Museum
The British Museum houses a vast collection of world art and artifacts, tracing human history and culture from its beginnings to the present. Key exhibits include the Rosetta Stone, the Parthenon sculptures, and the Egyptian mummies. It offers an extensive journey through global heritage and is suitable for all ages.
Cost: Entry to the permanent collection is free, though charges may apply for special exhibitions.
Transport: The museum is accessible via Tube to Russell Square (Piccadilly Line), Tottenham Court Road (Central, Northern, Elizabeth Line), or Holborn (Central, Piccadilly Line). It is also within walking distance from Euston Station.
3. West End Show
Experience the magic of live theatre by attending a world-class performance in London's West End. The district offers a diverse programme of musicals, plays, and other productions, catering to varied tastes. Booking tickets in advance is advisable, especially for popular shows.
Cost: Ticket prices vary widely, with some starting from £15-£40, depending on the show, seating, and booking time.
Transport: West End theatres are primarily located in areas like Covent Garden, Leicester Square, and Piccadilly Circus, which are well-served by multiple Tube lines (Piccadilly, Northern, Central) and numerous bus routes.
4. Thames River Cruise
A river cruise along the Thames offers a unique perspective of London's iconic landmarks, including the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, the London Eye, Tower Bridge, and St. Paul's Cathedral. It is a relaxing way to see many major sights while learning about the city's history. Various operators offer sightseeing and hop-on hop-off options.
Cost: Standard adult tickets for a one-way journey start from approximately £5.60, while a one-day hop-on hop-off pass can cost around £22.10. Prices vary by operator and route.
Transport: Cruises depart from several easily accessible piers, including Westminster, London Eye (Waterloo), Tower, and Greenwich. These piers are all close to Tube stations and bus stops.
5. Borough Market
As one of London's oldest and most famous food markets, Borough Market is a vibrant hub for culinary enthusiasts. Visitors can explore a wide selection of fresh produce, artisanal products, and international street food from independent traders. It is an excellent place to sample diverse cuisines and experience local food culture.
Cost: Entry to the market is free. Individual food items or meals typically range from £8 to £15.
Transport: Borough Market is conveniently located next to London Bridge rail terminal and Tube station (Jubilee and Northern lines). Numerous bus routes also serve the area.
6. National Gallery
Situated in Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery boasts a significant collection of over 2,000 European paintings dating from the mid-13th century to the early 20th century. It offers the chance to admire masterpieces by renowned artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Vincent van Gogh, and Rembrandt.
Cost: Admission to the permanent collection is free. There may be charges for temporary exhibitions.
Transport: The National Gallery is centrally located in Trafalgar Square. The closest Tube stations are Charing Cross (Northern and Bakerloo lines), Leicester Square (Northern and Piccadilly lines), and Embankment (Bakerloo, Northern, District, and Circle lines). Many bus services also stop in Trafalgar Square.
7. Westminster Abbey and Parliament Square
Westminster Abbey is a magnificent Gothic church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the traditional coronation and burial site for British monarchs. Nearby, Parliament Square features the iconic Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, symbols of British democracy and instantly recognisable landmarks. Exploring this area offers a deep dive into British history and governance.
Cost: Adult tickets for Westminster Abbey are approximately £27.00-£29.00 when booked online. Viewing the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben from the exterior is free, while tours of Parliament incur separate costs.
Transport: The area is best reached via the Westminster Tube station (Jubilee, District, and Circle lines). Numerous bus routes also serve Parliament Square.
At TFA Travel we believe in travel for all. Our mission is to enable people to explore the world as easily as possible without having to pay a travel agent a huge commission.
Our typical audience are those that want to see something new and get involved with authentic experiences of a country. Whether you are a backpacker, solo traveller, solo female traveller, straight or LGBTQ+ couple, family, you will find local and authentic experiences here.
