What to do in London

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London travel guide

London which includes skyline, a city and a high-rise building

Albert Memorial featuring a park, heritage architecture and autumn colours

London featuring a monument, skyline and a square or plaza

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Top places to visit

1. Hyde Park

Hyde Park is one of London’s largest and most well-known parks. The park connects with Kensington Gardens and the two combined cover 630 acres (253 hectares). Together they form the centrepiece of a network of parks known as “London’s Green Lung.” Once the private hunting grounds of King Henry VIII, today the park is filled with heritage sites, monuments and events to attend all year-round.

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Hyde Park showing a city, a garden and a pond

2. Big Ben

Catch a glimpse of Big Ben across the River Thames and you’ll know you have truly arrived in London. Featured in British films, such as “Bridget Jones’s Diary,” “Notting Hill” and “Love Actually,” Big Ben is best viewed from the Thames’ east bank or while strolling along Westminster Bridge, on route to see the Houses of Parliament.

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Big Ben featuring a city, heritage architecture and a monument

3. Tower Bridge

For London locals, Tower Bridge is a vital part of the city’s infrastructure, ushering 40,000 vehicles safely across the Thames daily. However, for many visitors, the sight of the dual Gothic towers rising above the skyline is a must-see.

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Tower Bridge showing a bridge, heritage architecture and a river or creek

4. London Eye

The 360-degree view from the top of the London Eye is a spectacular way to orientate yourself in London. Below, the River Thames meanders through the teeming metropolis, and on a clear day the views stretch to Windsor Castle, almost 25 miles (40 kilometers) away.

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London Eye showing a city, a skyscraper and modern architecture

5. Piccadilly Circus

Piccadilly Circus garnered its peculiar name from Roger Baker, a tailor famous for making men’s piccadills, the frilled collars fashionable in the 17th century. The word “circus” refers to the circular motion of traffic, which whisks around beneath the statue of the Greek god Anteros. Today, the name represents flashing lights, entertainment and the exuberance of a city on the move. Piccadilly Circus has become a must-see spectacle, which draws locals and tourists day and night.

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Piccadilly Circus showing heritage architecture, a city and signage

6. Buckingham Palace

The official home of British royalty since 1837, Buckingham Palace is the epicenter of Britain’s constitutional monarchy. It’s walls have witnessed innumerable state decrees, lavish banquets and foreign dignitary receptions.

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Buckingham Palace which includes a castle, a city and heritage architecture

7. O2 Arena

O2 Arena was originally called the Millennium Dome. It was created to celebrate the beginning of the new millennium. Completed in 1999, The Dome initially housed the Millennium Experience, an exhibition consisting of exhibits, shows and entertainment honoring humankind’s achievements. The Dome’s vast interior has since been remodeled and today is one of London’s premier entertainment destinations.

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8. Tower of London

The Tower of London is among Britain’s top tourist attractions. Although it’s mainly known as a place of imprisonment and execution, this remarkable building has also served as palace, mint, archive, armory, barracks and royal menagerie over the years. See the legendary crown jewels and learn about the tower’s often brutal history.

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Tower of London showing château or palace and heritage elements

9. Trafalgar Square

Built to commemorate the British Navy’s victory at the Battle of Trafalgar, London’s Trafalgar Square is now the first port of call for over 30 million tourists a year. This area has been a gathering point for celebrations and political rallies for more than a century. Within hours of each event, however, the normal rhythms of the city return, watched over by the stoic statues of Admiral Lord Nelson and the Four Lions.

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Trafalgar Square showing a fountain, a square or plaza and heritage architecture

What to do in London

Popular places to visit

Hyde Park

4.5/5(1,861 reviews)

Once the private hunting grounds of a king, London's most famous park is today a place where everyone can enjoy gardens, monuments and music performances.

Big Ben

4/5(1,061 reviews)

One of London’s most resounding landmarks is a treasured emblem of England.

London Eye

4/5(1,213 reviews)

Climb aboard this observation wheel for the best bird’s-eye view of the British capital.

Tower Bridge

4.5/5(1,137 reviews)

An engineering marvel, this London icon spans both the River Thames and the ages.

Wembley Stadium

4.5/5(558 reviews)

Catch an event at Wembley Stadium during your trip to Wembley. Stroll along the riverfront or visit the shops in this vibrant area.

Piccadilly Circus

4/5(1,953 reviews)

Often billed as the British version of Times Square, this iconic traffic hub is the perfect starting point for your London adventure.

Buckingham Palace

4.5/5(1,004 reviews)

Britain’s most famous home, the luxurious personal residence and workplace of Queen Elizabeth II, is open to all.

O2 Arena

4.5/5(625 reviews)

Created as the focal point of Britain’s millennium celebrations, today this architectural wonder offers a world of entertainment under one enormous roof.

Tower of London

4.5/5(910 reviews)

One of the world’s most well-preserved medieval castles, this historic building is known for its fascinating and gruesome history.

Explore areas of London

London City Centre

4.5/5(21 area reviews)

Iconic landmarks, a world-famous theater district, lively nightlife zones and superb shopping and art museums await in the heart of England’s capital city.

London showing heritage elements, markets and signage

Covent Garden

Get lost in the cobblestoned labyrinth of boutiques and bars, or simply find a spot to enjoy the street performers in one of London’s most entertaining districts.

Admiralty Arch showing heritage architecture

City of Westminster

4.5/5(2,564 area reviews)

Buckingham Palace and Big Ben are a few top attractions in City of Westminster. Hop around the city on the metro at St. James's Park Underground Station or Victoria Underground Station and check out the area's fascinating museums, popular shops and acclaimed art galleries.