Let’s Explore London: Fun Things to Do in the City of Big Ben
Camden Town
With endless cultural and leisure offerings, museums with priceless collections, bustling street markets perfect for getting lost in for hours, pristine green spaces, and charming neighborhoods — this city is ideal for a short getaway or even a full week without ever getting bored.
In London, you’ll also enjoy delicious traditional cuisine (sometimes underrated) as well as endless international options, including some of the best restaurants in the country — and in the world.
Big Ben
Big Ben from London Bridge
This London icon, standing over 100 meters tall, was built in 1858 in Gothic style and is famous for its four antique clocks, one on each side of the tower.
Although we usually refer to the whole structure as Big Ben, the name actually belongs to the enormous 14-ton bell inside the tower. Together with the Gothic-style Palace of Westminster, it forms a UNESCO World Heritage Site located along the River Thames.
It’s a must-see both by day and at night, when it’s beautifully illuminated.
The London Eye
The London Eye
Also known as the Millennium Wheel, the London Eye was inaugurated in 2000 and stands 135 meters tall on the banks of the River Thames.
Thanks to its impressive design and the breathtaking views it offers of the city, it has become one of London’s most popular attractions. Perfect for a romantic experience or a family outing.
Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Westminster Abbey is the oldest and most famous religious building in London.
Since 1066, it has hosted nearly all coronations of English monarchs, as well as royal weddings like that of today’s princes and funerals such as Princess Diana’s.
Inside (no photos allowed), you’ll find the tombs of kings and notable figures like Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, Charles Dickens, and David Livingstone, along with stunning areas like the Lady Chapel, the Poets’ Corner, the Chapter House, and the High Altar.
St. James’s Park
St. James’s Park
Surrounded by Buckingham, St. James, and Westminster Palaces, St. James’s Park is the oldest royal park — and one of our favorites in London.
Start your walk at the Queen Victoria Memorial, which commemorates her death in 1901, and then stroll along the lake filled with swans and ducks until you reach the Blue Bridge, a fantastic viewpoint overlooking Buckingham Palace.
Here, as in other London parks, you’ll see plenty of squirrels that have grown accustomed to humans — though feeding them is discouraged.
The Tower of London
The Tower of London
Surrounded by a moat and located on the north bank of the Thames, the Tower of London is one of the city’s most fascinating landmarks.
Built by William the Conqueror in 1078 to defend the city, it has served various purposes throughout history — fortress, royal residence, and even prison.
Inside, you can explore key areas such as the White Tower, the Medieval Palace, St. Peter ad Vincula Chapel, and the Jewel House, where the Crown Jewels are kept.
Leake Street Tunnel
Leake Street Tunnel
Behind the London Eye and under Waterloo Station lies the Leake Street Tunnel — an abandoned railway tunnel whose walls are covered in graffiti, making it one of London’s most unique urban art spots.
Though slightly run-down and poorly lit (avoid visiting at night), it’s a great place to admire some of the city’s best street art, including massive murals that cover the ceilings — a real hidden gem.
Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge
Your walk along the Thames should definitely end at Tower Bridge, built in 1894 and considered London’s most famous bridge.
This Victorian-style bascule bridge, located right beside the Tower of London, remains one of the oldest functioning drawbridges in the world.
The best views are from the south bank, at Potters Fields Park, but you can also get a beautiful perspective from the north side near the “Girl with a Dolphin” sculpture.
You can also go inside to learn how its steam-powered lifting mechanism works and walk across a glass-floor walkway for breathtaking city views. It’s an experience we loved!
The British Museum
British museum. Roman general entrance .
Opened in 1759, the British Museum is one of the most important museums in the world.
Its vast collection includes iconic pieces such as the Rosetta Stone, the Elgin Marbles from the Parthenon, Egyptian mummies, and a Moai statue from Easter Island — some of which have been requested back by their countries of origin due to their colonial-era acquisition.
Oxford and Regent Street
Oxford and Regent Street
If you’re a shopping enthusiast, you can’t miss Oxford and Regent Street — London’s two most famous shopping areas.
From Piccadilly Circus to Marble Arch, you’ll find international brands, stunning department stores like Liberty, and delicious snacks such as Ben’s Cookies (warning: they’re addictive!).
Regent Street, with its curved architecture and historic buildings, is also home to luxury boutiques and iconic shops like Hamleys toy store.
Natural History Museum
Natural History Museum
Home to more than 70 million specimens — from fossils and minerals to exotic animals — the Natural History Museum is one of the best free attractions in London.
The highlight is the Dinosaur Gallery, but don’t miss its breathtaking Romanesque and Victorian architecture, especially in the main hall where “Hope,” a blue whale skeleton, hangs from the ceiling.
Nearby are the Science Museum, featuring artifacts like the Apollo X command module, and the Victoria and Albert Museum, dedicated to art and design.
Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studios
Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studios
A must for fans and non-fans alike, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour lets you explore the sets, props, and secrets behind the eight Harry Potter films.
Located about 30 km from central London, it takes roughly seven hours to visit (including transport), but it’s absolutely worth it for a magical experience. You can get there via a combination of metro, train, and bus — or opt for an organized tour for convenience.
