Must-See London Landmarks & Tourist Activities

Everything you need to make your trip to London memorable, from famous landmarks to immersive experiences and family activities

London is one of the world’s most vibrant cities, and there is endless fun to be had uncovering hidden gems tucked away in its historic streets and finding things to do. That said, if you’re a tourist in London – especially if you’re visiting for the first time – it’s almost compulsory to tick off some of the English capital’s world-famous attractions, landmarks and experiences. To make your life easier we’ve compiled a handy list of the best, giving you plenty of options for your itinerary, no matter how long you’ll be in town.

The London Eye

The London Eye (also known as the Millennium Wheel) is the UK’s most popular paid tourist attraction. Standing at 135 meters (443 feet) on the South Bank of the River Thames, it is the world’s largest cantilevered observation wheel. It features 32 climate-controlled capsules, representing the 32 London boroughs, and offers 360-degree views of landmarks including Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace, making it a no-brainer for tourists looking to tick off multiple landmarks.

Tickets: From £29
Location: South Bank, Riverside Building, London SE1 7PB
Opening Hours: Daily 10:00–17:00 (Fridays until 20:30).
Top Tip: Book advance tickets online to skip the main queue, which can exceed 60 minutes on weekends.

The British Museum

The British Museum opened its doors to the public in 1759, with the purpose of showcasing artefacts sent home by the great explorers of the day. Since then, the museum has amassed a collection of more than eight million fascinating items – many of which regularly go on display – and it often hosts special exhibitions delving deep into niche subjects.

Admission: Free (General collection)
Location: Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG
Opening Hours: Daily 10:00–17:00 (Fridays until 20:30).
Top Exhibits: The Rosetta Stone, Parthenon Marbles, and the Egyptian Mummies.

The London Dungeon

The London Dungeon blends live acting, special effects and storytelling to give visitors a front-row seat to some of the grimmer episodes of London’s history. The experience takes you through 1,000 years of the city’s past, from the murky depths of the Guy Fawkes gunpowder plot to the foggy, gas-lit streets of Jack the Ripper’s Whitechapel, with the macabre exhibits delivering equal parts humour and horror.

Admission: From £35 (Book through Ticketmaster)
Location: Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd, London SE1 7PB
Opening Hours: Daily 10:00–17:00 (Fridays often until 19:00; hours vary seasonally, so check the official site for your specific date).

Borough Market

Borough Market was once home to artisans who once plied their trades supplying London’s greengrocers and restaurants. Today, the market’s stalls mostly cater to the public, selling some of the best street food you’ll find anywhere in London. Spend a bit of time milling around Borough Market and you’re guaranteed to find something that hits the spot… or multiple somethings, if you’re hungry enough.

Location: 8 Southwark Street, London SE1 1TL
Full Market Hours: Tue–Fri: 10 AM–5 PM | Sat: 9 AM–5 PM | Sun: 10 AM–4 PM
Closest Tube: London Bridge (Northern and Jubilee Lines)

SEA LIFE London

SEA LIFE London is one of the UK’s largest aquariums, boasting more than 500 species including zebra sharks, sea turtles and gentoo penguins, which are always dependable crowd pleasers. The aquarium is also just a few minutes walk from The London Eye, so it’s a great place to start a day of London sightseeing.

Location: Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd, London SE1 7PB
Where to Get Tickets: Advance tickets can be purchased from Ticketmaster
Opening Hours: Mon–Fri: 10 AM–4 PM | Sat–Sun: 10 AM–5 PM (Times vary seasonally)
Closest Tube: Waterloo (Bakerloo, Jubilee, Northern, and Waterloo & City Lines)

Oxford Street

Oxford Street is London’s most famous thoroughfare, and it’s a shopaholic’s paradise. The street is home to more than 300 retailers – including one of the largest Disney Stores in Europe – and you can easily spend an entire afternoon exploring all six floors of Selfridge’s.

Oxford Street Hours: Typically 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Mon–Sat) | 11:30 AM – 6:00 PM (Sun)
Selfridges Location: 400 Oxford Street, London W1A 1AB
Transport: Accessible via Bond Street, Oxford Circus, and Tottenham Court Road stations.

The West End

The exterior of Prince Edward Theatre in London's West End

The West End is the world’s oldest theatre district, and no trip to London would be complete without catching a show on one of its venerated stages. If you want to stay in full tourist mode Paddington The Musical is the obvious choice, but you’ll also find global phenomenons like Hamilton and Les Misérables, as well as some smaller shows you can’t catch anywhere else.

District: Central London (encompassing Leicester Square, Shaftesbury Avenue, and Covent Garden)
Performance Times: Typically 7:30 PM (Evening) | 2:30 PM (Wednesday & Saturday Matinees)
Where to Get Tickets: Check out the Ticketmaster Theatre Guide to find out what’s on and get tickets

Camden

Camden is the spiritual home of British punk, and while it isn’t quite as edgy as it was in its heyday there are still plenty of reasons to visit. Highlights include the vibrant Camden Market – home to countless vintage clothing and record shops – and Roundhouse, which remains one of London’s most beloved live music venues.

Main Attraction: Camden Market (Stable Market, Camden Lock, and Buck Street)
Opening Hours: Daily 10:00 AM – Late (Market stalls usually close by 6:00 PM)
The Roundhouse: Historic music venue located on Chalk Farm Road.

Madame Tussauds

Madame Tussauds has become a global phenomenon, but its first exhibit of uncanny waxwork figures opened in London in 1835. The oldest figure in the franchise’s collection can still be found there (a recreation of King Louis XV’s mistress Madame du Barry), as well as unique models depicting some of the UK’s most famous celebrities, royals and criminals.

Location: Marylebone Rd, London NW1 5LR
Opening Hours: Mon–Fri: 10 AM – 4 PM | Sat–Sun: 9 AM – 4 PM (Last entry at 4 PM)
Closest Tube: Baker Street (Bakerloo, Circle, Jubilee, Metropolitan, and Hammersmith & City Lines)
Admissions: Pre-book tickets for the best prices

Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace has been the official residence of British monarchs since 1837, and it lives up to its royal reputation. It’s possible to take a peek inside the palace’s opulent State Rooms during the summer months, but it’s worth visiting at any time of year, especially to watch the Changing of the Guard.

Location: London SW1A 1AA
State Room Summer Opening: July 11 – September 27, 2026
Changing of the Guard: 11:00 AM (Check schedule; typically Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun)