14 Best Things to Do for Your London Bucket List
Big Ben, red phone booths, and afternoon tea? That’s just scratching the surface of what London offers visitors.
Our bucket list takes you through royal palaces and underground bunkers to reveal why London ranks among the world’s greatest cities. Let’s jump right in!
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1. Visit the Tower of London
The Tower of London stands as an iconic fortress with about 1,000 years of history packed inside its stone walls.
Built by William the Conqueror in 1066, this UNESCO World Heritage site houses the dazzling Crown Jewels, including the Imperial State Crown worn by Queen Elizabeth II during her coronation.
The legendary Beefeater tours will make you laugh while you learn about the Tower’s dark past as a prison and execution site for figures like Anne Boleyn.
2. Take a Ride on the London Eye
Standing tall at 135 meters (443 feet), the London Eye offers the most spectacular views across London’s skyline.
Your 30-minute journey in one of the 32 glass pods moves at a leisurely 0.6 miles per hour, giving you plenty of time to spot famous landmarks like Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
On clear days, you can see up to 40km (25 miles) away to Windsor Castle!
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3. Explore the British Museum
The British Museum holds the title of the first public national museum in the world, established in 1753 and free to visit ever since.
With eight million treasures under one roof, it’s the largest collection of human history, art, and culture anywhere on the planet.
Follow the three-hour trail to see the greatest hits: the Rosetta Stone that unlocked ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics, the controversial Parthenon sculptures, and the Lewis Chessmen with their quirky, expressive faces carved from walrus ivory.
4. Experience a Show in the West End Theatre District
London’s West End, often called “Theatreland,” packs 40+ historic theaters into the heart of the city.
This is where you’ll find world-famous long-running shows like “Les Misérables” and “The Phantom of the Opera” alongside fresh productions with top-tier talent.
The district includes iconic venues like Theatre Royal Drury Lane (London’s oldest working theater) and the London Palladium.
For budget-friendly options, visit the TKTS booth in Leicester Square for same-day discount tickets.
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5. Climb to the Top of St. Paul’s Cathedral
Sir Christopher Wren’s masterpiece has dominated London’s skyline since 1710, surviving the Blitz of World War II when Winston Churchill insisted on saving this symbol of London’s resilience.
The real adventure begins when you tackle the 528 steps to the Golden Gallery at the very top.
The climb isn’t simple – the stairs grow narrower and steeper as you ascend – but the reward is the most breathtaking 360-degree panorama of London.
Stop at the Whispering Gallery on your way up, where you can whisper to the wall and be heard clearly on the opposite side thanks to a fascinating acoustic phenomenon.
6. Visit the Churchill War Rooms
Tucked beneath the streets of Westminster lies a hidden time capsule where Winston Churchill and his team plotted victory during World War II.
The Churchill War Rooms take you deep underground into the actual bunker where history was made.
You’ll see Churchill’s modest bedroom with its single bed, the map room where military positions were tracked with colorful pushpins, and even the special silent typewriter used because Churchill couldn’t stand the noise.
The rooms look exactly as they did when they were abandoned in August 1945 after Japan surrendered.
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7. Take a Speedboat Tour on the Thames
For a heart-pumping way to see London’s landmarks, jump aboard a Thames speedboat tour.
These zippy boats reach speeds of 35 miles per hour as they zoom past Big Ben, Parliament, and the Tower Bridge.
It’s perfect for families too (even with little ones), and for the best views of London’s skyline from the water, this is hard to beat.
8. Walk Across Tower Bridge and Visit its Glass Walkway
Tower Bridge isn’t just a pretty postcard picture – you can actually walk across its high-level walkways 42 meters above the swirling Thames below.
The real thrill? The glass floor that lets you look straight down at the buses, taxis, and pedestrians crossing beneath your feet.
Each glass panel is made of half-ton slabs strong enough to hold the weight of four London black cabs, so you’re totally safe.
For extra fun, time your visit during a bridge lift to watch boats sail directly underneath you, or snap a selfie using the thoughtfully installed mirror above the glass floor.
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9. Explore Sky Garden
Want amazing London views without spending a penny? Head to Sky Garden, London’s highest public garden, sitting at the top of the building nicknamed “The Walkie Talkie”.
From this lofty perch, you’ll spot landmarks like Tower Bridge, the Thames, and The Shard.
Tickets must be booked online in advance (they’re released every Monday morning), and each visitor gets a one-hour slot to soak up the panorama.
10. Watch a Performance at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre
Step back to the 1600s at Shakespeare’s Globe, a faithful recreation of the playhouse where the Bard’s works first wowed crowds.
This round, open-air theater creates a totally different vibe from modern venues – you can eat, drink, and even come and go during performances.
The cheapest tickets are for “groundlings” who stand in the yard, while wooden bench seats in the galleries offer more comfort (definitely rent a cushion for your bum!).
The actors don’t just perform – they look you in the eye and sometimes even move through the audience, pulling you right into the story.
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11. Visit God’s Own Junkyard
Hidden in an unassuming industrial estate in Walthamstow sits God’s Own Junkyard is a collection of handmade neon signs, movie props, and dazzling artwork.
The late artist Chris Bracey started his career designing provocative signs for Soho’s strip clubs before Hollywood.
His work has appeared in movies starring Johnny Depp and Tom Cruise! The best part? This place is completely FREE to visit.
Grab a coffee at the Rolling Scones Cafe inside while you soak up the glow from thousands of lights. Open Friday to Sunday only, so plan your visit carefully.
12. Explore the Hidden Gem of Dunstan-in-the-East
Tucked between towering skyscrapers in the heart of London lies a magical secret garden that most tourists never find.
St. Dunstan-in-the-East was once a church built in the 1100s, but after being bombed during the Blitz of 1941, the ruins were transformed into a peaceful public garden.
Today, ivy crawls up ancient stone walls, trees grow through empty window arches, and flowers bloom where pews once stood.
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13. Take a Day Trip to Greenwich
This royal borough lets you stand with one foot in the eastern hemisphere and one in the west at the Prime Meridian Line, where world time begins.
Climb to the top of Greenwich Park for jaw-dropping views of London’s skyline stretching all the way to the horizon.
The Royal Observatory, Cutty Sark sailing ship, and the stunning Painted Hall are all must-sees.
For lunch, grab a bite at one of the traditional pubs near the river like the Trafalgar Tavern.
End your day trip with a thrilling ride on the Emirates Air Line cable car that swoops you over the Thames with bird’s-eye views of the city below.
14. Experience the London Dungeon
The London Dungeon plunges you into 1,000 years of London’s darkest history through a 90-minute journey that will have you laughing one minute and screaming the next.
Live actors bring infamous characters like Jack the Ripper and Sweeney Todd to life as you move through 13 interactive shows with spine-tingling special effects.
Hold tight on the Drop Dead ride that plummets three stories in pitch darkness. The attraction even features a multi-sensory Great Fire of London where you’ll feel the heat as St. Paul’s burns and cooked pigeons fall from the sky.
