When I’m not travelling to new destinations around the world, I love exploring all that London has to offer. Friends, family and readers often ask for my London tips, so I’ve put together a list with one activity for each week of the year.
Among them you’ll find unique experiences, stunning views, food tips and cultural gems. Whether it’s your first trip to London, a return visit or you’re a Londoner yourself, I hope they inspire you to discover a new side of the city.
I’ve also created a PDF version of this guide. Save it, share it with your travel buddies and keep it handy for your next trip to London 👉 Download the PDF
Disclaimer: Links marked with * are affiliate links: if you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my blog!
Already checked out the *British Museum and the Natural History Museum? Try one of the more niche museums, like the Postal Museum, the Old Operating Theatre Museum, the Fashion & Textile Museum and the Horniman.
☕ My London specialty coffee guide
🍴 My favourite London restaurants
🍳 London brunch guide
🍸 London cocktail bar guide
📍 How to spend a long weekend in London
🏛 Neighbourhood guides: Notting Hill; Bermondsey; East London
🚃 Best day trips from London
🏖 Best beaches near London
Found this guide useful? Please consider supporting my blog by buying me a coffee.
Among them you’ll find unique experiences, stunning views, food tips and cultural gems. Whether it’s your first trip to London, a return visit or you’re a Londoner yourself, I hope they inspire you to discover a new side of the city.
I’ve also created a PDF version of this guide. Save it, share it with your travel buddies and keep it handy for your next trip to London 👉 Download the PDF
Disclaimer: Links marked with * are affiliate links: if you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my blog!
‘Only in London’ Experiences
1. Explore London on a themed walking tour
Walking tours are a great way to learn about a city’s history and culture, often from a local’s perspective. London Walks and *GetYourGuide have a big selection, including themed tours, from *Jack the Ripper and *Harry Potter to *street art and *music.2. Step back in time at Dennis Severs’ House
For an immersive historical experience, book a visit to Dennis Severs’ House. You’ll walk (in silence) through the candlelit rooms of a Georgian house, each preserving a fascinating snapshot of life in Spitalfields between 1724 and 1919.
3. Go behind the scenes at a disused Tube station
The London Underground is the world’s oldest underground railway. Today, it’s (relatively!) modern but if you’ve ever wanted to know what it was like 100 years ago, take a *London Transport Museum tour of the disused Aldwych station.
4. Sing along to your favourite film at the Prince Charles Cinema
The Prince Charles is one of the West End’s most distinctive cinemas. This legendary venue screens a mix of new releases and cult classics, plus popular sing-alongs. If you were at The Muppet Christmas Carol, I apologise for my singing!5. Take part in a pub quiz in a Victorian tunnel
Fun fact: I once came 2nd to Sir Ian McKellen in a quiz at his own pub. But for trivia with guaranteed atmosphere, join the quiz in Marc Brunel’s 19th-century Thames Tunnel.6. Enjoy a budget spa day at Ironmonger Row Baths
London has numerous luxury spas but for a more affordable experience, head to Ironmonger Row Baths. The excellent two-hour thermal experience is just £44, but you can also add on a massage or other treatment.7. Pose for a photo outside ‘10 Downing Street’
If you’re better connected than me, you might get an invite to 10 Downing Street (the Prime Minister’s official residence). Otherwise, 10 Adam Street, just off the Strand, is a pretty good dupe. Sadly, they don’t have their own Chief Mouser!
8. Take on a Race Across the World challenge
As a travel aficionado, I’m a big fan of Race Across the World. Share in the fun by booking onto the Race Across the World London Experience, which challenges you to travel across London on foot, completing puzzles and tasks along the way.9. Enter a neon wonderland at God’s Own Junkyard
Located in a Walthamstow salvage yard, God’s Own Junkyard houses an array of neon art and signs from the personal collection of the late neon artist Chris Bracey. Walking through is like stepping inside a kaleidoscope!10. Watch non-league football at Dulwich Hamlet
London has six Premier League football teams but tickets can be hard to obtain. For a more grassroots experience, head to Dulwich Hamlet, who play in the 7th tier. And if Ted Lasso is more your idea of ‘soccer’, you might enjoy this *Richmond walking tour.London’s Best Views
11. Enjoy free panoramic views of London
Horizon 22 is an excellent free viewing deck, just across the river from *The Shard. Book online or scan the QR code at the entrance for on-the-day availability.
12. Climb The Monument: 1666 and all that
The Monument to The Great Fire of London is located steps away from where the fire started in Pudding Lane in 1666. Climb 300 steps up the winding staircase and you’ll be rewarded with 360-degree panoramas.13. Ride a lift up a power station chimney
Battersea Power Station has undergone a major transformation in recent years. After taking in the vast turbine hall, ride up the chimney lift, where you can look out across West London. Pink Floyd fans might enjoy staying at *this nearby hotel.
14. Soar over the Thames in a cable car
One of the most fun ways to cross the Thames is the London Cable Car. You can ride from North Greenwich to the Isle of Dogs, and then walk (or bus) back to the city centre.15. Bounce on the roof of the O2
North Greenwich is also where you’ll find the O2 (it will always be the Millennium Dome to me), now an entertainment venue. Book a *rooftop climb and follow the satisfyingly bouncy path to the top, where you can see out over East London and beyond.
16. Take a yoga class in the sky
Sky Garden is another place to see London from above. They also offer morning yoga classes, set among tropical planting with sweeping cityscape panoramas.17. See Tower Bridge from below
*Tower Bridge is one of London’s most photographed sights. For a different angle, make your way to Shad Thames and the Horselydown Steps. If the tide’s out, you can even step onto the ‘beach’.18. Take in London from Waterloo Bridge
Over 30 bridges cross the Thames in London. I particularly like Waterloo Bridge, which offers a sweeping vista of London monuments looking both east and west.
19. Picnic on Primrose Hill
Primrose Hill is one of London’s bougiest neighbourhoods and the titular hill is a lovely place to look down on the London skyline. If it’s a nice day, pack a picnic or stop for a drink or bite to eat at a canalside pub.Hidden History and Cultural Gems
20. A grave walk in Highgate Cemetery
Over 170,000 people are buried in North London’s sprawling Highgate Cemetery, from George Eliot and Douglas Adams to George Michael and Notting Hill Carnival founder Claudia Jones. Book a guided tour to get the most from your visit.
21. Report for jury duty at Witness for the Prosecution
Agatha Christie’s play Witness for the Prosecution is a favourite legal thriller of mine. The London production at County Hall is staged in an atmospheric courtroom setting and if you book a jury seat, you even get to vote on the verdict.22. Delve into Dr Johnson’s world — and words
Visiting the house of writer Samuel Johnson was a rite of passage for me. He may not have written, “when a man is tired of London, he should read Bex’s blog,” (the first part was him!), but his former home offers a fascinating glimpse into his life and work.
23. Trace London’s Blue Plaques
Over 1,000 Blue Plaques mark the homes and workplaces of notable Londoners. I love reading them, especially when there’s an unexpected juxtaposition, like Handel and Hendrix at 23 Brook Street or Charlies Chaplin and Babbage on Walworth Road.
24. Explore London’s quirky museums
Already checked out the *British Museum and the Natural History Museum? Try one of the more niche museums, like the Postal Museum, the Old Operating Theatre Museum, the Fashion & Textile Museum and the Horniman.
25. Get lost in the stacks at the London Library
The London Library is a bibliophile’s dream. Tucked away in St James's Square, the library was established in 1841 and houses over 1 million volumes. There are public tours every month, alongside a range of talks and other events.26. Catch a late opening at London Zoo
*London Zoo is even more fun after dark thanks to the adults-only Zoo Nights events held in the summer. Spot tigers, penguins and many other species while enjoying animal talks, street food and cocktail pop-ups.
27. Learn about everyday heroes of Victorian London
Immortalised in Mike Nichols’ film Closer, Postman’s Park is a tranquil public garden near St Paul’s with memorials commemorating 62 people in Victorian London who died while trying to save someone else.Eat and Drink Your Way Around London
28. Discover London’s coffee culture
London’s first coffee shop dates to 1652. Today, the specialty coffee scene is one of the world’s most dynamic — you can even take a latte art class! If you only have time for a few coffee stops, I’d pick Nostos, Special Guests, Prufrock, Rosslyn and Nagare.
29. Take a guided food or drink tour
For expert tips on London’s best places to eat and drink, take a *guided tour. Eat your way around *Borough Market, find *chocolate heaven, embark on a gin journey or go on a *historic pub crawl (TripAdvisor’s 2nd most popular UK tour in 2025).30. Indulge your sweet tooth at London’s best bakeries
Who needs Paris when there are world-class sweet treats right here in London? My current favourites (all worth the queue) include Toad, Arôme, Pophams, Jolene and Toklas. You can also try your hand at making doughnuts at Bread Ahead.31. Devour street food in a Grade-I Listed Church
Street food markets are two a penny in London but Mercato Mayfair’s stunning setting inside St Mark’s Church, a grand Greek Revival building, sets it apart. The vendors vary but I’ve always dined well there (most recently on Sri Lankan food).
32. Feast on a Sunday roast
Sundays are made for a roast dinner in a cosy pub. These are a few I keep returning to: The Flask (Hampstead), Cora Pearl (Covent Garden), The Garrison (Bermondsey), The Camberwell Arms (Camberwell) and The Mayflower (Rotherhithe).
33. Enjoy afternoon tea — with a twist
Another classic is the afternoon tea — though as a coffee drinker, it’s all about the cakes for me! For a traditional version, I like The Wolseley, while themed teas range from art at the *Rosewood to science and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.34. Step back in time at a post-office-themed bar
Cahoots is a bar that goes all in on its 1940s post office theme. The cavernous bar has fab décor and it’s tremendous fun: some cocktails even arrive via pneumatic tubes. Check out my London cocktail bar guide for more top-notch mixology.
35. Take dining to new heights
For food and drinks with a view, London has lots of options. Eat street food at Tower Bridge Collective, sip cocktails at Frank’s Cafe or try Aqua Shard, Duck & Waffle or the Tate Modern Restaurant for more elevated fare (literally).Parks, Walks and Waterways
36. Walk along Regent’s Canal
The Regent’s Canal towpath is my favourite London walk. Start in Little Venice, pass through Regent’s Park, Camden and King’s Cross, and continue into East London, ending at Limehouse Basin. This route is 9.5 miles but you can choose a section or two.
37. Feed parakeets in St James’s Park
St James’s Park is one of the best places to see and even feed London’s African parakeets (they’re pretty tame). While you’re there, keep an eye out for the first ever pelican chicks to hatch in the park (but do leave them in peace!).
38. Stroll on the South Bank
I love walking along the Thames from Waterloo in the west to Rotherhithe in the east. You’ll pass many of London’s iconic sights, like The Globe Theatre, St Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London, with plenty of pubs, restaurants and markets along the way.39. Kayak along the Thames
I’ve yet to try London Kayak Co’s trips on the Thames but they look really fun, especially the Tower Bridge sunset tour. For a more sedate experience, try the *Thames Clipper boats, while these *speed boat rides are less sedate but very exhilarating!40. Go wild swimming on Hampstead Heath or Canary Wharf
People have been swimming in the Hampstead Heath ponds for centuries and they’re still an excellent place for an outdoor swim, especially in warmer weather. For a more urban open water swim, visit the newly opened floating pool in Canary Wharf.41. Find zen in Holland Park
Created for the 1992 Japan Festival in London, the Kyoto Garden in Holland Park is one of London’s most tranquil green spaces. With its large pond and gently flowing waterfall, it’s especially lovely in the autumn or when the spring flowers are in bloom.
42. Walk through a 125-year-old tunnel under the Thames
You can cross the river from Greenwich to the Isle of Dogs by boat or DLR, but the 1902 Greenwich Foot Tunnel is more atmospheric. Descend the spiral staircase near the Cutty Sark and emerge 370m later across the river. I like to walk on to Canary Wharf.
43. Spot cute animals at a city farm
If London’s many pigeons, parakeets and foxes aren’t enough wildlife for you, pay a visit to Surrey Docks Farm in Rotherhithe. Say hi to the goats, sheep, pigs and bunnies, and then stock up on produce at the farm shop.
Neighbourhoods, Markets and Shops
44. Chart a course through Greenwich
You can easily spend a day in maritime Greenwich. Visit the *Old Royal Naval College and *Royal Observatory, stop for lunch at Greenwich Market and then explore the Queen’s House and leafy Greenwich Park.
45. Uncover canal-side culture in King’s Cross
King’s Cross has shed its gritty reputation after years of regeneration. Eat and shop at Granary Square and Coal Drops Yard, visit the London Canal Museum, buy books from a barge or relax in Camley Park Nature Reserve.46. Find beauty in brutalism at the Barbican
The Barbican Estate is a 1965 housing development built in the brutalist architectural style. Learn more with an architecture tour, relax by the fountains or attend a cultural event at the Barbican Centre.
47. Raid ‘London’s larder’
Nicknamed ‘London’s larder’, Bermondsey is a food-lover’s paradise. Come for the eateries and food shops on Bermondsey Street and Maltby Street Market and stay for the art, history and riverside walks.48. Admire Notting Hill's colourful streets
With its rich social and cultural history, colourful houses, superb shopping and film locations, Notting Hill is a wonderful place to spend a day. Follow my one-day itinerary for my guide to the best things to do and places to eat, drink and shop.
49. Soak up Marylebone’s village charm
While close to busy Oxford Street, Marylebone retains a relaxed, village vibe. Shop and eat your way up and down its vibrant high street (don’t miss Daunt Books), visit the farmers’ market or admire the art at the Wallace Collection.50. Wander Chelsea’s best shopping streets
Chelsea’s King’s Road has been a shopping destination since the 1960s. Today, there’s a mix of independent boutiques and chains. Take an art break at the Saatchi Gallery and then linger at lovely Pavilion Road for even more shopping and dining.51. Market-hop in East London
For a Sunday stroll in East London’s best markets, start at Spitalfields (fashion and homewares). Then walk up Brick Lane (vintage) to Columbia Road (flowers). If you have the energy (and pennies!), carry on to Broadway Market (vintage, crafts and food).
52. Shop for London-inspired gifts
For a classic London keepsake, pick up a Borough Market tea towel, a Daunt Books tote or anything from Liberty. The shops at the V&A, Design Museum and Southbank Centre, Rococo and Choosing Keeping are also good for thoughtful souvenirs.Additional London Guides and Resources
🍴 My favourite London restaurants
🍳 London brunch guide
🍸 London cocktail bar guide
📍 How to spend a long weekend in London
🏛 Neighbourhood guides: Notting Hill; Bermondsey; East London
🚃 Best day trips from London
🏖 Best beaches near London
Found this guide useful? Please consider supporting my blog by buying me a coffee.
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