London for First-Timers: What to Do & What to Skip
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Planning your first trip to London? As locals, we’ve put together a tried-and-tested list of the city’s most iconic, unmissable attractions and experiences (and also tell you what to skip).
London can feel like a lot when you’re planning a trip. It’s packed with landmarks, world-class museums, and more afternoon tea options than you can count. But if it’s your first time here, figuring out what’s worth your time can be tricky. Should you queue for the London Eye? Is Buckingham Palace worth it? What do Londoners actually recommend?
We’ve lived here for over ten years, hosted countless first-time visitors, and answered endless messages from friends and colleagues asking for advice. This guide is shaped by real experience – not just ours, but everyone we’ve helped over the years.
In this post, you’ll find 19 must-do London experiences we think every first-timer should try at least once. We’ve also included an interactive map and a list of places you can skip (because not everything lives up to the hype).
Short on time?
Here are our top picks for visiting London:
Must-Visit: Our top 5 highlights for a classic first-time London trip include:
Tours & Experiences: These are two of our favourite London tours, which we’ve done ourselves:
Where to Stay: You’ll want to stay in the city centre if it’s your first time. We really like The Westminster by Hilton and CitizenM Shoreditch. For more choices, have a look at our London accommodation guide.
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 has 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? 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 tip: Get there as early as you can and head straight to the Crown Jewels before the queue builds. 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 genuinely the best way to get a feel for the Tower’s wild history.
Admission and Opening Hours: Tickets are £35.80 (about €42 or US$49) per person. The tower is open from 10am-4:30pm on Mondays and Sundays, and 9am-4:30pm Tuesday to Saturday.
2. 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.
Admission and Opening Hours: Covent Garden (including the Piazza and the Market Building) is free to visit and open 24/7. The shops typically operate from 10am-8pm Mondays to Saturdays, and from 11am-6pm on Sundays.
3. 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.
Our top tip: Make sure you stop by Homeslice in Neal’s Yard. They serve up some of the best wood-fired pizzas in London.
4. 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.
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.
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!).
Admission: Prices vary depending on the operator and route, but expect to pay from around £14 (about €16 or US$19) for a one-way ticket.
5. 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.
Admission and Opening Hours: Access to the Sky Garden is free. It’s open on weekdays from 10am-6pm and on weekends from 11am-9pm.
6. 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: Buy your Tower Bridge entry tickets online in advance to skip the queues and secure your preferred time slot.
Try to time your visit during a bridge lift. These happen roughly 2-5 times a day and are amazing to watch from the glass floors. You can check the lift schedule on the official website.
Admission and Opening Hours: Tickets for the Tower Bridge start from £16 (around €19 or US$22) per person. It’s open daily from 9:30am-6pm.
7. 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 really like:
Our top tip: Book your afternoon tea experience in advance, especially on weekends! It’s one of those things you need to book ahead in London. And go hungry – there’s always more than you expect.
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.
Our top tip: 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. It’s 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.
Admission and Opening Hours: The park is free to visit and open from 5am-midnight daily.
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.
Admission and Opening Hours: Tickets for guided tours start from £27 (around €32 or US$37) and can only be booked through the official UK Parliament website or ticket office. The Houses of Parliament are open Monday to Friday from 9am-5pm and on most Saturdays throughout the year.
10. 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!).
Our top tips: 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. Entry is free, but booking a time slot in advance helps avoid waiting in line.
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.
11. 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.
Admission and Opening Hours: Regent Street is free to visit and open 24/7. Although each of Regent Street’s stores has individual opening times, here’s a general guide: weekdays from 10am-8pm, Saturdays from 9am-8pm, and Sundays from 12pm-6pm.
12. 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.
Admission and Opening Hours: Entry to Camden Market is free, and it’s open every day from 10am-6pm.
13. 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: Buy your St Paul’s Cathedral ticket online in advance to skip the queues. Don’t miss the guided tours, which are included in your ticket. You can sign up for one at the Guiding Desk on the day. Also, be sure to pick up the audio guide at the entrance, as it’s a great way to learn more as you go.
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.
Admission: Entry for sightseeing is £26 (about €30 or US$36). The cathedral is open Monday to Saturday, 8:30am-4:30pm (10am on Wednesdays).
14. 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.
15. 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.
Admission and Opening Hours: Mercato Mayfair is free to enter and open from 12pm-11pm (Mon-Thu), 12pm-midnight (Fri-Sat), and 12pm-10pm (Sun).
16. 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.
Admission and Opening Hours: Liberty is free to visit. It’s open from 10am-8pm, Mondays to Saturdays, and from 12pm-6pm on Sundays.
17. 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: For something a bit different, look into the Hidden London Piccadilly Circus tour by the London Transport Museum. We’ve done several of their Hidden London tours and always found them well-organised and full of interesting details.
This specific tour takes you behind the scenes of the Piccadilly Circus underground station, into spaces that have been closed to the public since 1929.
Admission and Opening Hours: Piccadilly Circus is free to access and open 24/7.
18. 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 the same 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 London day trip picks for first-time visitors:
>> Check out our London day trip guide for more destinations, tips, and travel times.
19. 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, you can get same-day discounted tickets on the TKTS website. Tickets go live from midnight on the day of the performance, and you can even choose your seat. The Society of London Theatre runs it, so it’s completely legit. We’ve used it many times and always had a great experience.
So that’s our list of the 19 must-see attractions in London for first-time visitors. We genuinely think you shouldn’t leave the city without seeing these!
Depending on how much time you have, you could easily extend your plans to include places like Notting Hill, Borough Market, Brick Lane, Kensington Palace and Kensington Gardens. London is full of iconic sights, but it’s also packed with lesser-known spots and unusual experiences.
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.
Practical Tips for First-Time Visitors to London
Planning your first trip to London? A few simple tips can make all the difference to how smoothly your visit goes.
Here are 5 of the most common mistakes we see first-timers to London make:
We’ve put together a full guide with even more mistakes tourists keep making in London, plus tips on what to do instead.
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
