London for First-Timers: What to Do & What to Skip
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London has more “must-see” attractions than almost any city in the world. The problem is, some of the most famous ones aren’t worth your time… and most lists won’t tell you that.
Planning a first trip here can feel overwhelming. There’s SO much to see, endless opinions online, and not nearly enough time to do everything properly.
After living in London for more than 10 years and exploring the city almost weekly, we’ve become very opinionated about what first-time visitors should prioritise and what’s honestly fine to skip.
This guide focuses on the very best things to do in London for first-timers, from iconic sights like the Tower Bridge Experience (far better on the inside than most people expect) to proper afternoon tea and quieter spots like Seven Dials that most visitors walk straight past.
We’ve also included a few attractions we personally wouldn’t prioritise at all, including the London Eye.
Don’t miss these!
Our Top Picks for Your London Trip
London is one of Europe’s most visited cities, so be sure to book tours and hotels as early as you can!
Top London experiences
- Tower of London (our #1 pick, this 900-year-old fortress is one of London’s most fascinating historic sites)
- Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour (the ultimate film fan experience, walk through the original sets and costumes from the movies)
- Buckingham Palace State Rooms (only open July to September, one of the few chances to see inside the Palace)
Where to stay in London
- The Hoxton Southwark (our favourite London hotel, super stylish warehouse-style rooms with walk-in rain showers close to the river)
- Apex City of London (modern hotel steps from the Tower of London, with one of the best breakfast buffets we had in London)
19 Best Things to Do as a First-Time Visitor to London
We’ve been to hundreds of cities across more than 50 countries, but London remains one of our absolute favourites.
If you’re planning your first visit, these 19 experiences should give you a proper feel for London. We’ve mixed famous sights with a few offbeat favourites to help you make the most of your time.
1. Explore the Tower of London
The Tower of London is a proper classic! It still feels a bit surreal walking around a medieval fortress right in the heart of the city. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was built in 1066. It’s been a royal palace, prison, treasury, and armoury.
The main highlight is the Crown Jewels, kept in a high-security vault and home to some of the world’s most valuable gems.
Did you know? The Yeoman Warders (or Beefeaters) are as much a part of the Tower as the walls themselves. Their nickname comes from their role as royal bodyguards, with the perk of eating as much beef as they liked from the king’s table.
When you go, explore the White Tower, stroll along the battlements, and look inside the Bloody Tower and the ‘Torture at the Tower’ exhibition.
Our top tips: Book your Tower of London ticket in advance, and you’ll skip the gate queue entirely and head straight in. On the day, get there as early as you can and go straight to the Crown Jewels before the crowds build. After that, join a guided tour with a Yeoman Warder from the main entrance. They run every 30 minutes and last about 45 minutes. We’ve done the tour a few times now, and each guide brings something different. It’s the best way to get a feel for the Tower’s wild history.
👉 Don’t queue at the gate for an hour. This is the Tower of London ticket we’d book in advance.
2. Treat yourself to a proper Afternoon Tea
Afternoon tea is a quintessentially English tradition. You’ll get a tiered tray filled with sandwiches, cakes, and warm scones with jam and clotted cream, all served with a pot of tea or a glass of fizz.
We’ve enjoyed afternoon tea in loads of places over the years, from old-school to slightly quirky, and it’s always a fun way to spend a couple of hours (and usually ends with us eating more than we planned).
There are loads of options in London, but here are four we’ve done and really liked:
Our top tip: Book your afternoon tea experience in advance, especially on weekends! It’s one of those London things you need to pre-book. And go hungry… there’s always more food than you expect.
👉 We’ve tried a lot of afternoon teas in London. This cruise is still our favourite.
3. Soak up the atmosphere in Covent Garden
If you’re after a lively part of town that’s always buzzing, Covent Garden is a great shout. Right in the middle of the West End, it’s known for its street performers, busy market, and mix of shops and restaurants.
It’s ideal for a casual stroll, a bite to eat, or some browsing.
We absolutely love Covent Garden… it’s one of our favourite spots in London! Though to be honest, we try to avoid it on weekends unless we’re in the mood for a crowd.
What we enjoy most is the market hall. Inside a 19th-century building that once sold fruit and veg, you’ll now find stalls offering handmade crafts, fresh flowers and plenty of things you probably don’t need but will want anyway.
It also never feels quite the same twice. With rotating seasonal displays, pop-up events and one-off installations, there’s usually something new to see. At Christmas, it becomes one of the most beautifully decorated areas in the city.
Our top tip: Head beyond the piazza and you’ll find quieter side streets with brilliant pubs, cosy restaurants and some proper independent shops.
4. Walk across the glass walkway inside Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge is one of London’s most iconic landmarks, and it’s worth more than just a photo from the outside.
Built in 1894, it was designed to match the nearby Tower of London and remains a brilliant bit of Victorian engineering.
Did you know? Many visitors often confuse Tower Bridge with London Bridge. London Bridge is actually the one next to it, and to be honest, it’s pretty plain. The one you’re thinking of with the towers? That’s Tower Bridge!
You can walk across Tower Bridge for free, but we really recommend getting tickets for the Tower Bridge Experience.
It takes around 45 minutes and lets you explore the inside of the towers, the original engine rooms, and the high-level walkway with its glass floors.
Our top tip: Try to time your visit for a bridge lift. These happen a few times a day when the road opens to let tall ships through. We timed it perfectly last spring, and watching it from the glass walkway above was brilliant. You can check the lift schedule on the official website before you go. To be inside at the right moment, book your tickets in advance and lock in a time slot that works around the lifts.
5. Cruise along the River Thames
A Thames cruise is one of the easiest and most relaxing ways to tick off a bunch of London’s landmarks in one go. It’s great if you’re short on time or just want to give your legs a break without missing the sights.
You’ll cruise past the London Eye, Shakespeare’s Globe, the Shard, Tate Modern, the Tower of London and Tower Bridge, with views you just don’t get from street level.
Seeing it all from the water gives you a fresh take on the city, and the live commentary is usually better (and funnier) than you’d think.
We did this cruise from Westminster to Greenwich, which we enjoyed and provided live commentary in English.
You can choose one way or return, but we suggest hopping off in Greenwich and exploring the area (it’s a bit of a hidden gem!).
Our top tip: Head straight up to the open-air top deck and grab a spot at the back. The views are better, and you won’t be stuck behind a sea of phones.
6. Get some of the best panoramic views at Sky Garden
There are numerous free viewpoints in London, and we’ve visited most of them. But Sky Garden still comes out on top for us!
It sits on floors 34 to 37 of the Fenchurch Building, better known as the Walkie-Talkie, thanks to its unusual shape. From up here, you get brilliant views across the city, plus it’s an excellent spot for photos.
Did you know? The Walkie-Talkie has a bit of a reputation. A few years ago, sunlight reflecting off the building melted parts of a parked car and a shop sign down on the street. Locals called it the “fryscraper”.
Our top tip: Book your free tickets in advance on the Sky Garden website. You can do this up to 3 weeks ahead. Free walk-ins are technically possible, but honestly, they’re rare. We’ve been at different times of day and year, but sunset was hands down our favourite.
7. Wander through Seven Dials & Neal’s Yard
Seven Dials is one of those places that Londoners know well but many visitors miss entirely. It’s right in the middle of everything, just a short walk from Covent Garden, but it feels like its own little world.
The name comes from the seven streets that meet at one junction. Around them, you’ll find around 90 shops, beauty spots, and more than 50 cafés, restaurants and pubs.
One of our favourite places here is the Seven Dials Market. This covered food hall is perfect for a casual lunch or snack, with stalls serving up dishes from all over the world.
Just a few steps away is Neal’s Yard, a colourful little courtyard tucked between the buildings. The walls are painted in bright blues, greens and yellows, and while it’s definitely become a bit of an Instagram favourite, it’s still genuinely lovely in real life.
8. Stroll around St James’s Park
St James’s Park is one of the prettiest green spaces in central London. It sits right between Westminster and Buckingham Palace.
We often walk through it when heading towards Westminster, and it’s such a peaceful break from the busy streets.
Originally a royal hunting ground, the park has been open to the public since the 17th century.
These days, it’s known for its neatly kept flowerbeds, sweeping views and quiet corners. The view from the bridge over the lake (with Buckingham Palace in one direction and the London Eye in the other) is one of our favourites.
Did you know? St James’s Park has had a colony of pelicans since 1664, when a Russian ambassador gifted them to King Charles II. You’ll usually spot them near Duck Island Cottage, and if you’re there between 2:30 and 3pm, you might catch them being fed.
Hyde Park is definitely a contender if you’re after a bit of greenery, but for a first-time visit, we think St James’s Park makes more sense.
St James’s Park is more compact, more central, easier to navigate, and surrounded by royal landmarks. Hyde Park is brilliant too, but it’s massive and better saved for a second visit or if you’re in town for a week or more.
9. Snap photos of Big Ben & the Houses of Parliament
The Houses of Parliament (officially known as the Palace of Westminster) sit right on the River Thames and are easily some of the most impressive buildings in London.
They’re home to the House of Commons and the House of Lords, and together form the UK Parliament. It’s one of those places we pass all the time and still stop to admire.
The palace dates back to the 11th century and has undergone several rebuilds and additions since then. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The only other parliament building we’ve seen that rivalled the grandeur of the Houses of Parliament is its Hungarian counterpart.
Take a walk across Westminster Bridge for the best view of the clock tower, properly known as the Elizabeth Tower. Most people call it Big Ben, but that’s the name of the bell inside. Still, whatever you call it, it’s one of the most iconic sights in London.
Our top tip: If you time it right, you can hear Big Ben chime on the hour. Also, be prepared for this entire area to become extremely crowded on weekends. If you’re only in town over a Saturday or Sunday, go early!
You can also book a tour of the Houses of Parliament to explore the historic chambers and rooms inside. The tour lasts about 90 minutes and gives you a proper look at how things work behind the scenes.
10. Take in the beauty of St Paul’s Cathedral
St Paul’s Cathedral is one of London’s most iconic landmarks.
Designed by Sir Christopher Wren and completed in 1710, it has been the setting for major national events, including the funerals of Winston Churchill and the wedding of Prince Charles (now King Charles III) and Princess Diana.
Inside, you’ll find beautiful stained glass, soaring ceilings and the famous Whispering Gallery, where a whisper on one side can be heard on the other.
If you’re up for the climb, it’s 528 steps to the top of the dome, but the views over London are more than worth it!
Our top tip: Book your St Paul’s ticket in advance to skip the queue at the entrance. Once you’re inside, pick up the audio guide and sign up for a guided tour at the Guiding Desk. Both are included in your ticket and make a real difference to how much you get out of the visit.
We prefer St Paul’s over Westminster Abbey. The climb to the dome is a truly impressive experience, and the architecture feels even more dramatic. It’s also usually a bit less crowded.
Westminster Abbey is stunning too, especially if you’re more interested in royal history, but for overall atmosphere and views, St Paul’s wins it for us.
👉 St Paul’s wins it for us over Westminster Abbey every time. The dome climb is a big part of why.
11. Check out world-class exhibits at one of London’s free museums
One of the best things about London? So many incredible museums are completely free. There are over 100 across the city, and honestly, we never get tired of them.
For a first trip, we’d start with the British Museum. It’s a classic for a reason.
It’s easy to reach, filled with iconic pieces like the Rosetta Stone and Egyptian mummies, and the building itself is stunning (the glass-roofed Great Court is a great spot for photos, see below!). Plus, entry is FREE!
Our top tip: At the British Museum, use the back entrance on Montague Place to avoid the longer queues out front. The museum is huge, so grab a map and focus on a few highlights.
If you’ve got more time, the Natural History Museum (see picture below) is another favourite. Great for dinosaur lovers, gemstone fans or anyone who enjoys a dramatic building.
There are many others to explore, such as the Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A), the Science Museum, or the National Gallery, but those are ideal for a second visit.
12. Admire the curved architecture along Regent Street
We always enjoy walking down Regent Street. The curve of the buildings gives it such a distinctive feel, and it’s one of those places that feels impressive every time we pass through.
Designed in the 19th century, Regent Street was one of London’s first planned developments and has since become a bit of an icon.
It’s got a good mix of shops too. Unlike the nearby Bond Street, which is full-on luxury, Regent Street has big-name flagships alongside more familiar high-street brands.
Did you know? Regent Street was the first street in Central London to install Christmas lights, way back in 1954. These days, it’s one of the best places to experience London’s Christmas celebrations, and we always make a point to visit when we’re in town over the holidays.
13. Experience the bright lights of Piccadilly Circus
Piccadilly Circus is one of those places you’ll recognise straight away. It’s been featured in loads of international films and is often compared to NYC’s Times Square or Tokyo’s Shibuya Crossing (just on a much smaller scale).
To be honest, you probably won’t spend long here. There isn’t much to see or do, but the giant advertising screens are iconic, and it’s a fun starting point if you’re heading towards Soho.
Our top tip: If you want to do something a bit different, check out this Hidden London Piccadilly Circus tour. You actually go down into the underground station and through secret doors into tunnels and lift shafts that have been closed since 1929. There are original signs still down there from 1906, and stories about people sheltering in the tunnels during the war. We’ve done several of the Hidden London station tours (including this one) and always found them full of fascinating details.
14. Explore the buzzing stalls at Camden Market
Camden Market is chaotic, colourful and packed with personality. We’ve been there many times, and there’s always something new to see or eat (partly because the area has been developing a lot over the last few years).
The market is made up of several connected areas, each with its own vibe.
You’ll find everything from vintage clothes and handmade jewellery to vinyl, art prints, and even Cuban cigars. There’s also a proper international food scene, with stalls selling everything from Ethiopian to Venezuelan cuisine.
A particularly unique part is Camden Stables Market, which was once home to horses working along the canals. The original features are still visible, and the space has been transformed into a maze of shops, bars and food stalls.
Beyond the shopping and food, Camden’s just a fun place to be. There’s always music, street performers and loads of people-watching. And if you need a break, the canal is lovely for a stroll.
Our top tip: Camden Market gets seriously packed on weekends. If you can, go during the week. If not, aim for before 11am or after 5pm; it’s a bit quieter but still buzzing.
15. Stroll along the picturesque Butler’s Wharf
Butler’s Wharf is one of those places in London that still feels like a hidden gem. It’s just east of Tower Bridge, and while it doesn’t get as much attention as some of London’s bigger sights, we always enjoy coming here.
Once a key part of the London Docks, this Victorian warehouse district handled goods like tea, spices, and ivory.
These days, the old warehouses have been turned into cafés, restaurants, and small shops, but the industrial charm remains very much intact.
We especially like walking along Shad Thames, the cobbled street just behind the riverfront. The old gantries overhead and the narrow passageways give it a unique feel.
Afterwards, head to Butler’s Wharf Pier. It’s one of the best spots to take pictures of the Tower Bridge.
16. Head to Mercato Mayfair for a seriously unique food experience
London has no shortage of unique food spots, but Mercato Mayfair is one that always stands out.
We’ve taken friends and family here over the years, and it’s consistently the one they talk about afterwards. And when readers message us after their trips, this place often comes up too.
What makes it so special? It’s set inside a beautifully restored Grade I-listed church. After an extensive renovation, the building has been transformed into a food hall and cultural space that’s genuinely impressive.
There’s a brilliant mix of stalls serving everything from Italian deli favourites and fresh seafood to handmade pasta, patisserie and British meat.
Plus, the space itself is gorgeous, with marble floors, brass fixtures and a glass atrium that fills the building with natural light.
We love that it’s just off Oxford Street but feels very different. It’s calm, stylish and the perfect place to stop for food or a drink.
17. Admire the gorgeous Tudor-style interior of Liberty London
Liberty is one of our favourite department stores in the city… less so for the shopping, but for the building itself.
Right in the middle of London’s Soho area, it’s known for its black-and-white Tudor-style exterior and distinctive heritage feel.
Built in 1875, Liberty has had a significant influence on British design and fashion.
Before heading inside, look up at the roof and you’ll spot a golden weathervane shaped like the Mayflower, the ship that carried English pilgrims to America in 1620.
Inside, the store feels more like a stately home than a shop. There are shields of Shakespeare, portraits of Henry VIII’s six wives, and some beautiful carved wooden animals dotted throughout.
The third-floor atrium is a real highlight, especially if you’re into architecture. But one of our favourite features is the old wooden staircase, which has been there since the beginning.
Liberty is a lovely spot to browse, even if you’re not planning to buy anything. It’s definitely on the pricier side, but a nice place to find unique London souvenirs or something made in Britain.
18. End your day with a West End show
A trip to London isn’t complete without catching a West End show. The city is known around the world for its theatre, and with over 30 productions running at any given time, there’s something for every kind of theatre fan.
If you’re not sure where to start, here are a few solid options. Back to the Future, The Book of Mormon and Wicked are brilliant if you’re into musicals.
Prefer a play? The Mousetrap is the world’s longest-running show for a reason. We’ve seen more than 200 shows over the years, and can confidently say these are all worth your time.
Our top tip: If you like to plan ahead, check out the Official London Theatre website for show listings and offers. If you’re happy to be spontaneous, their Today’s Tickets section lists same-day discounted tickets from midnight on the day of the performance, and you can choose your seat. It’s run in partnership with TKTS, so it’s completely legit. We’ve used it at least 50 times (yep, we LOVE theatre) and always found something good.
19. Take a Day Trip from London
Let’s be honest: London has more than enough to keep you busy. Tripadvisor alone lists over 3,000 London activities, and even after living here for more than a decade, we still haven’t run out of things to do.
That said, we ALWAYS try to fit in a day trip when visiting a new city, just to get a broader feel for the place.
If you fancy doing a day trip while you’re in London, you’re in luck. The train connections are excellent, and there are also numerous guided day tours that handle all the planning for you.
Here are our top three London day trip picks for first-time visitors:
Interactive Map: Must-See Spots in London
To make it easier to plan your trip, we’ve put together an interactive map with all the must-see sights for first-time visitors mentioned in this post. Just click on the map below to view the location of everything.
How to use this map: Click the icon in the top left to see the full list of locations. For a bigger view, open it in a new tab via the top-right icon. You can also save it to your own Google Maps by clicking the star next to the map title.
What to Skip in London (and Why)
There are some attractions that receive loads of hype, but, honestly, they left us pretty underwhelmed. If it’s your first time in the city and you’re short on time (or patience), here are spots we think you can safely skip:
London Eye
The views are lovely, sure, but the queues are long, tickets are expensive (from £42 on the day), and you’re stuck in a cramped pod with 24 strangers for half an hour. It’s slow, there’s barely anywhere to sit, and you can’t walk around.
We honestly wouldn’t bother – but if it’s already on your list, at least grab your London Eye tickets in advance so you don’t waste even more time in queues.
For better views (and no entry fee), head to the Sky Garden instead.
Buckingham Palace (just the outside)
We love a good palace visit, but Buckingham Palace? From the outside, it’s honestly a bit dull. If you’re after royal vibes, you’ll get more out of a visit to Hampton Court Palace or Kensington Palace.
The one exception is that if you’re visiting in the summer, the State Rooms are open, and those are genuinely stunning.
Madame Tussauds
It’s overcrowded, overpriced (£42!), and honestly a bit of a headache. The wax figures are impressive, but you’ll struggle to get a photo or even move around.
If you really want to go, buy your Madame Tussauds tickets in advance and aim for a weekday morning right when it opens.
The Shard
The view from The Shard is great, but the experience? Not worth the £32 ticket! The viewing area feels a bit off, the fake grass on the floor doesn’t help, and it just lacks atmosphere.
We’ve been to loads of observation decks around the world (including Taipei 101 and Top of the Rock in New York), and The Shard was one of the least memorable. Honestly, we’d take the free views from the Sky Garden over this any day.
M&M’s Store
It’s loud, packed, and mainly just offers expensive sweets you can get a lot cheaper in the supermarket. It’s a huge shop, but not an experience that says “London”.
If you’re craving sugar, we’d much rather point you towards a proper bakery.
Leicester Square
Outside of film premieres, there’s not much here. It’s always packed, full of chain restaurants and tourist-focused shops. You’ll get a much better feel for London just around the corner in Soho or Covent Garden.
What to Do Next for Your London Trip
London can feel like a lot, especially when you’re trying to plan your first trip. We’ve helped loads of friends and co-workers figure out what’s actually worth their time here, and honestly, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming!
If you want an easy place to start, check out our [2-day itinerary for London]. It shows you how to group the best sights so you’re not zigzagging across the city all day.
Want to add something a little more fun or unexpected? These are our favourite unique things to do in London that most first-timers don’t even know about.
And if you’re still choosing a place to stay, we’ve got you covered with our guide to the best hotels and neighbourhoods in London.
Wherever you end up, we hope this guide makes your planning feel a little easier and your trip a whole lot more exciting.
🇬🇧 Plan Your London Trip with Our Guides
