London has something for everyone, regardless of your style, preferences, or passions. As the sun beams down, parks come alive with social activity, diners roll out outdoor tables, and fountains add charm to bustling squares. Whether it’s avant-garde art displays, famous landmarks, hidden corners, or time-honored pubs, London has so much more to offer than what meets the eye. Experience lush parks, world-renowned theaters, and standout restaurants, then relax in the city's best accommodations. Use this list of things to do in London to begin exploring the city’s vibrant possibilities. 

With origins in the 13th century, London’s historical food market is a haven of culinary delights and handmade delicacies. Once focused on British products, it now hosts worldwide traders and food carts, offering everything from indulging in French confit-duck sandwiches, hearty Ethiopian stews, and sophisticated Scotch eggs. Begin with a coffee from Monmouth, gather bites from Borough Market, Neal’s Yard Dairy, and Brindisa, and savor a riverside picnic with your tasty treats. 

A South Bank icon, Tate Modern is London’s hub for modern and innovative art, housed in the striking former Bankside Power Station. It’s the edgier counterpart to Pimlico’s Tate Britain, with the 2016 Switch House growth that adds more exhibition space and awe-inspiring 360-degree vistas of the skyline of the city. Explore the permanent exhibits at no charge at all! The museum features masterpieces created by famous artists such as Bourgeois, Warhol, and Matisse. Don’t miss the Tate Boat— adorned with Damien Hirst’s iconic dot pattern —which connects Tate Modern and Tate Britain along the River Thames each 30-minute 

A replica of William Shakespeare’s iconic circular theatre, Shakespeare's Globe is located just a short walk from the original site and was ruined by the devastating fire.  Embrace the culture by becoming a ‘groundling’—standing in front of the stage for just £5. So captivating is the action that you won’t even notice your sore feet until the final bow. To make it even more memorable, book a midnight performance (in advance!) and immerse yourself in the spirited vibe. To keep your energy up, a pre-show pint or coffee might be exactly what you need for the late-night performance. 

Wembley Stadium, the largest stadium in the UK and the heart of English football has been the stage for the nation’s most iconic sporting events since 1923. Its iconic status was solidified with England’s World Cup win in 1966 and strengthened further by the Lionesses' Euro 2022 triumph. The Wembley Tour invites visitors to explore the stadium’s illustrious history, from its early days in the 1920s to its current status. The 75-minute tour includes visits to the England Changing Rooms, a walk through the Players’ Tunnel, a chance to sit in the England manager’s press conference chair, and the opportunity to lift a replica FA Cup. 

Located on the site of ancient Ikea in Tottenham, this colossal nightclub is the result of the team that brought you Printworks and the Depot Mayfield in Manchester. Spanning 608,000 sq ft, Drumsheds is one of the largest nightclubs in the world. It features five bars—including a colossal 25,000 sq ft bar in the main room, which holds 15,000—three dancefloors, 48-metre-long LED screens, and an outdoor terrace with a food court. The venue has been the site of high-profile events with acts such as Skepta, The Sugababes, Marcel Dettmann, and Bicep, including takeovers from Radio 1 Dance, BuggedOut, and The Hydra! Drumsheds plans to further diversify its cultural lineup with upcoming performances by community-driven events, orchestra, and ballet.

Since 1900, E Pellicci has been a staple of East London, offering hearty meals in a classic, old-school café setting. Offering beloved fry-ups, delicious grills, and Italian classics, this café’s Grade II-listed status honors its timeless art deco details and retro Formica furniture. Though the retro ambiance is captivating, it’s the hearty, traditional dishes that win hearts, particularly the standout bread-and-butter pudding—a perfect complement to your fry-up. A living piece of London’s culinary heritage, still run by the same family. 

Renowned as a cultural beacon, the V&A showcases an array of architectural and cultural marvels. Spanning seven floors with 150 grand galleries, it features an incredible range of ceramics, sculpture, paintings, textiles, jewelry, metalwork, glass, fashion, and furniture, all spanning several centuries. Although high-profile ticketed exhibitions often sell out, the intriguing permanent collection is free to visit. Don’t miss the breathtaking porcelain courtyard, designed by architect Amanda Levete, with 11,000 handcrafted tiles that sparkle in the sunlight, evoking the charm of 1960s Rome. 

A genuine piece of history, the Tower of London is a medieval fortress by the Thames and is formally known as the Royal Fortress and Palace of the Queen. While it's renowned for its royal treasures (and the iconic ravens), visitors are often captivated by the priceless Crown Jewels, including tiaras, scepters, and diamonds, still used by the Royal Family during official ceremonies. Arriving early is essential to avoid the crowds and get an up-close view of these cherished artifacts. This 900-year-old landmark has enough to see and do to fill an entire day. For a truly insider experience, join a tour led by one of the costumed Yeoman Warders (Beefeaters). These engaging guides share fun anecdotes, interesting facts, and insider details not found in the guidebook—and they even have their own hidden pub on-site! 

For a cocktail that’s as strong as it is exquisite, set against a backdrop of luxury, this hotel bar is a must-visit. With Stanley Tucci as a fan and Ian Fleming’s former hangout, while writing the Bond books, it serves up some of the city’s priciest cocktails, complemented by outstanding bar snacks. Once you’ve had your fill, you may find yourself swaying across the cobbled streets of St James’s—those drinks really are that strong. Don’t miss the famous martini, expertly mixed by Salvatore Calabrese, served in a spectacular show straight from a trolley. It’s a must-try experience. 

With a rich history dating back to 1838, the National Gallery is one of the premier art museums globally, featuring over 2,300 masterpieces. Its extensive collection includes iconic works like Rembrandt’s The Night Watch, Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring, and Renoir’s Dance at Le Moulin de la Galette, alongside paintings by the likes of Da Vinci, Delacroix, Van Gogh, Rubens, Gainsborough, and El Greco—essentially, the great European masters. Best of all, entry is free, and with its *Friday Lates* extending hours until 9 pm, you can take part in free art talks and drawing workshops, making it a must-visit spot for art enthusiasts.