London Sightseeing
- Monday June 4th 2018
- Get Outside
13 Top Tips for Sightseeing in London
1. See London from above
London looks totally different and totally amazing from above. Visit the London Eye for 360 degree perspectives of the whole city.
2. And see it from the river
A trip out on the River Thames is a must do. The London Eye River Cruise embarks from right next to the London Eye.
3. Walk when you can
Everything in the centre is closer than you think and you’ll see so much more by walking.
4. But make sure you leave Zone 1
Go shopping in Stratford, spot the deer in Richmond, visit Neasden Temple or find a lovely pub in Hampstead - just make sure you leave Zone 1.
5. Get to grips with the tube map
It’s not as complicated as it seems so take a few minutes to get to grips with how it works, what an Oyster card is and your direction of travel. Your travels will be more enjoyable. And always stand on the right!
6. Take the bus
Citymapper is a really good app for telling you whether it’s best to walk, take the tube or a bus. You’ll see more from the bus than the tube and it’ll help you get your bearings.
7. Stand on a bridge at night
If you’re near the river at night make sure you walk across a bridge and see the city at sunset or after dark.
8. Shop til you drop
Westfield in Stratford or Kensington and Oxford Street are your biggest shopping areas but if there’s a specialist shop you’re after, look it up because London probably has it.
9. Go behind the scenes
Particularly around Piccadilly, Oxford Street, Regent Street and Soho you will find a lot more by taking the side streets and going a couple of roads back for tucked away restaurants, bars and boutique shops.
10. Get there early… or late
For the main attractions, either go as early as you can or later in the day. Go to the quieter places and the ones without queues in the middle of the day (the busiest time).
11. Stand and stare
Grab a drink on the balcony at the South Bank or in Covent Garden, stop on a park bench or sit on the steps in Trafalgar Square and just watch the world go by for a bit.
12. Eat at the markets
London’s food markets, like the SC Food Market and Borough Market, are an attraction in themselves. Plan some time to explore them and you’ll spend less money than you would eating in a restaurant.
13. Get theatre tickets cheap
TKTS London in the middle of Leicester Square has last minute and discounted tickets for shows happening within the next few days.
53 OF THE BEST SIGHTS AND ATTRACTIONS IN LONDON
1. Coca-Cola London Eye
The best views from the iconic London Eye.
2. National Gallery
The best in European art.
3. British Museum
A vast collection of artefacts from around the globe.
4. Churchill War Rooms
Churchill’s bunker and museum beneath Westminster.
5. St James’s Park
A park with two islands and pelicans next to Buckingham Palace.
6. Houses of Parliament
Take a tour, watch a debate and see where all the laws get made.
7. Big Ben
One of the most famous landmarks next to Westminster Bridge.
8. The River Thames
Take a London Eye River Cruise and see the city from the river.
9. Hyde Park
A brilliant park for a stroll, picnic or pedalo.
10. Borough Market
Probably the best food stalls in London and restaurants under the old railway arches with a great buzzy atmosphere.
11. Brick Lane
Quirky shops and stalls and a big market on Sundays.
12. Tower Bridge
London’s most ornate bridge that lifts for the larger boats.
13. Westminster Abbey
A royal church and World Heritage site with many famous people buried there.
14. St Paul’s Cathedral
See the Dome from miles around and visit the Whispering Gallery.
15. Covent Garden
Shops and street performers compete in this famous pedestrianised piazza and market.
16. London Underground
250 miles and 270 stations of London’s tube network, connecting the city.
17. Buckingham Palace
The Queen’s residence and headquarters in London.
18. Changing of the Guard
Enjoy the pomp and parade of the changing of the royal guards in their bearskin hats and red tunics.
19. Hampton Court Palace
King Henry VIII’s majestic Tudor palace and gardens.
20. Madame Tussauds
Get up close and personal with all your favourite celebrities.
21. London Dungeon
Scary fun with live actors and thrilling rides, exploring London’s gruesome history.
22. SEA LIFE London
Penguins, crocodiles, sharks, jellyfish, turtles and much more in these spectacular displays.
23. Shrek’s Adventure! London
Shrek, Donkey and friends take you on an adventure of mischief and mayhem.
24. Afternoon Tea at the Ritz
The quintessential British meal with Earl Grey, scones and cucumber sandwiches at one of London’s most famous hotels.
25. Tower of London
The Queen’s crown jewels protected by the Tower Ravens.
26. Kensington Palace
Next to Hyde Park and home to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
27. Wembley Stadium
England’s national stadium for international football and host to huge music gigs.
28. National Portrait Gallery
Portraits of historically important British people.
29. National Theatre
New and classic plays on London’s South Bank.
30. South Bank Centre
Concerts, festivals, events and installations for all the family.
31. Royal Albert Hall
A beautiful concert hall in South Kensington and next to Hyde Park.
32. Royal Opera House
Opera, classical music, theatre and dance in Covent Garden.
33. Kew Gardens
The largest and most diverse botanical gardens in the world.
34. Shakespeare’s Globe
A reconstruction of William Shakespeare's famous playhouse with tours and productions.
35. Somerset House
Film screenings, music, food, ice skating and exhibitions in this beautiful, historical house.
36. Tate Modern
International, modern and contemporary art in the former Bankside Power Station.
37. Cutty Sark
One of the last British tea clipper ships to be built now at home in Greenwich.
38. HMS Belfast
A Royal Navy Town-class light cruiser with nine decks, now moored as a museum ship on the River Thames.
39. Royal Observatory
The Prime Meridian of the world and London’s Planetarium.
40. The South Bank
Home to London’s best attractions, restaurants, hotels and a great place to walk along.
41. The British Library
The largest library in the world by number of items catalogued.
42. Trafalgar Square
The pigeons have now largely gone but Nelson’s Column and the beautiful fountains remain.
43. Horniman Museum
A great family museum and gardens tucked away in Forest Hill, Zone 3.
44. London Transport Museum
Making the link between transport and the growth of the capital.
45. Neasden Temple
Europe’s first traditional stone Hindu temple.
46. Camden Lock
A weird, wonderful and iconic destination for fashion, art, food and music.
47. Regent’s Canal
Cycle, jog, walk or boat along the peaceful waterways.
48. The Design Museum
World design including fashion, graphics, architecture, products and industrial.
49. Waterloo Bridge Book Market
This open air market is open every day under Waterloo Bridge for browsing and buying.
50. BFI Southbank Cinema
Independent film screenings on the Southbank or cross over the road for blockbusters at the 3D IMAX.
51. Southbank Skatepark
Watch the coolest kids on the block ollie and flip or bring your board down and show them how it’s done.
52. Spitalfields City Farm
A community space and rare breed farm with a tree house.
53. Shoreditch BOXPARK
Pop up shops, street food and bars in converted shipping containers.
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