Best London UK Attractions To Visit In 2023-2024
Summary: London is a massive, urban city with endless things to do and see. This guide will help you research a visit to London that fits your itinerary & interests.
1-2 Days: Explore Westminster & More
2-3 Days: Explore Westminster, Tower Hill, City of London & More
3+ Days: Explore Westminster, Tower Hill, City, Greenwich, & More
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Our Picks For The Best Things To Do & See In London (Visitors & Locals)
#1) Ride The Tube
Public Transport & Navigation
London Underground (the Tube), is the best way to get around the city.
Experience the city like locals by navigating to each destination using the City Mapper App or Google Maps on your phone.
To pay, simply tap your credit card at the London Underground entrances. Or, if you want more financial security, pre-load an Oyster Card for your journey.
#2) Westminster
Historical Architecture
View of Westminster from the London Eye
Westminster is the area of London you generally see in Popular Culture. Several major attractions are all within walking distance of each other.
Westminster Attractions Include:
Big Ben
Parliament
Westminster Abbey
Buckingham Palace
The London Eye
Big Ben refers to the clock tower above Westminster Hall.
The attraction received a 80 million pound restoration during the Pandemic, so there is no better time to visit than now.
The London Eye sits across the Thames River from Westminster, offering unmatched views of the area. You can buy Skip The Line Tickets, but they are expensive. For those on a smaller budget, the London Eye still serves as an excellent photography opportunity.
You can walk to Buckingham Palace from Westminster through St. James Park (20 mins).
St James Park is a great location for bird-watching and plant life.
Look back for a view of the London Eye.
Or, take the tube to Victoria Train Station and walk to Buckingham Palace from there. Prepare for more vehicle traffic and larger crowds.
Check out The Changing of The Guard! Follow the guards as they leave.
A great way to see most of the Westminster attractions is to take a Thames River Cruise. There are dozens of operators offering a range of services and experiences.
Take a ferry from Westminster to Tower Hill or your next destination in London.
#3) Tower Bridge & Hill
History & Culture
This photo was taken from an Uber Boat ferry during the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Tower Bridge is London’s most iconic attraction.
Tower Hill is London’s medieval metropole. The Tower of London was built by French invader William the Conqueror in the Eleventh Century. The Kings and Queens of England have ruled from this institution for centuries.
For a memorable dining experience, check out the Medieval Banquet near Tower Hill. Patrons are entertained by actors, dancers, and gestures while eating a multi-course meal and enjoying bottomless ales.
#4) The City of London
Architecture & Lifestyle
GPS Location (The Gherkin)
The City of London is the financial capitol of the UK. Companies and banks from around the world host offices in The City to take advantage of tax schemes.
Today, the City is an impressive collection of skyscrapers, condos, restaurants, and shops. Historically, the area has a dark history including the serial murders of Jack The Ripper in the late Nineteenth Century.
Take a Jack The Ripper Walking Tour through The City and Whitechapel to learn more!
St. Paul’s Cathedral is the top attraction in The City of London. The royal family gets married in this impressive religious building. Originally built in the early Eighteenth Century, St. Paul’s has survived historic fires and even bombings from the Germans during the Second World War.
For a free lookout over Saint Paul’s check out the One New Change Mall
#5) Greenwich
History & Science
Greenwich Park
Many consider Greenwich the scientific centre of the world. Western society measures their time zones based on Greenwich Mean Time. GMT is measured as the mean solar time at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich. This system was globalized by the British Empire.
Walking to the top of Greenwich Park offers an excellent lookout over London’s Skyline.
Another unique attraction is the Greenwich Tunnel which descends beneath the Thames River connecting Greenwich to Millwall.
Check out the Royal Naval College in Greenwich during your visit!
#6) Kensington & Parks
Victorian London & City Parks
Kensington is an excellent area of London to explore on foot!
For those interested in free museums, Kensington is home to the . . .
Kensington Palace, GPS Location
Bordersology highly recommends Kensington Park and Hyde Park to the North of Kensington. The two large ponds in the park are a great spot for bird-watching.
During the winter Hyde Park hosts a Winter Wonderland
Walk towards Kensington Palace at the West end of the parks.
Wander through the streets of Kensington to find London’s Thinnest House.
The property was recently listed for sale at over 1.1 million USD.
Other Attractions
Square Hopping
Piccadilly Circus
Leicester Square
Trafalgar Square
Check out these exciting and busy areas of London!
The Shard Skyscraper
Walk Pedestrian Bridges
The Millennium Bridge and the Hungerford Bridge offer breathtaking views of London.
Walk along either at night for amazing views of the city lights.
Ride A Cable Car from City Hall to the O2 Arena. Get Tickets for 7 pounds
O2 Arena is one of London’s major concert venues. 2023 performers include Lizzo, George Ezra, Snoop Dog, Michael Buble, KISS, and UFC fights (list)
The area around O2 Arena has many restaurants, businesses, condos, and shops.
One option is to take an Uber Boat or Ferry when you leave. Ride the river past Greenwich, Canary Wharf, Tower Hill, and Westminster.
Culture, Food, & Nightlife
Sports & Concerts
London is home to Seven Premier League football teams, NFL International, and hundreds of other stadium-based events.
Shop & Eat at Camden Market
If you have multiple days in London, save your souvenir shopping for Camden Market. Cheap souvenirs are complemented by an almost endless Street Food Market with dishes from around the world.
Camden is also a hotspot for body art like tattoos & piercings.
Soho: Food and Nightlife
Wander through London’s nightlife area. Eat internationally inspired dishes from around the world. Reserve ahead of time!
Covent Garden is a popular market for souvenirs, food, and art.
Experience a British Pub
There are hundreds of pubs in London and choosing a place to start can be intimidating.
Check out this Evening Standard article about the 50 Best Pubs in London to kickstart your research!
London’s West End puts on Broadway Shows like The Lion King, Jersey Boys, Wicked, Les Miserables, and Frozen. 2023 List
Get same-day, discounted tickets at the TKTS Ticket Booth in Leicester Square.
Day Trip To Stonehenge
Several operators offer day-trips to Stonehenge. If you want to actually get close to ancient stones and take pictures chose an operator that also goes to Avebury Stone Circle.
Conclusion
London is a massive, urban city with endless things to do and see. This guide will help you research a visit to London that fits your itinerary & interests. Make sure to download the Bordersology London Map!
Traveling Soon? Check out Bordersology’s Top 10 Travel Essentials Blog and Ten Travel Trips Blog.
Bordersology Collective: Everyone please feel welcome to use the comment section. We encourage the growth of the Collective. What inspired you? What did we miss? What questions do you have? Ask below!
