Find the best things to do in London with the ultimate guide to attractions and events.

Spring 2025 is upon us! With brighter and longer days on the horizon, lovely bank holiday weekends, the start of festival season and plenty more exciting events, it’s time to enjoy the fantastic sights of London and plan your next trip to the capital!

Whether you are a first-time visitor or a Londoner born and bred, you’ll discover what to do in London and plenty of things to see, from the best London tourist attractions to unusual ideas for days out in London.

As spring reaches its peak, find beautiful blooms in parks and gardens across the city, take part in thrilling activities and things to do at London’s outdoor attractions, and soak up the year’s first proper rays of sunshine at relaxing green spaces and alfresco spots.

If you’re looking for a fun-filled day out in the capital, there’s still plenty of seasonal celebrations to catch – from epic music festivals and spring pop-ups to open-air events in the heart of the city.

Get your culture fix and explore the wonders of London museums, savour delicious food from around the world and see London sights from a new perspective on a fascinating London tour.

Use the London attractions map to help pinpoint all the places you want to go around the capital and get started planning your visit!

What not to miss in London

These are Visit London’s top five essential things to see and do in London:

  1. See 55 of London’s greatest landmarks on a 30-minute ride on the London Eye: Get ready for astounding 360-degree views of the city as you climb aboard one of the 32 glass capsules of the London Eye. It is the world’s tallest cantilevered observation wheel at 135 metres (443ft) high! Built to celebrate the millennium in 2000, the special engineering achievement has become a symbol of the modern capital and a world-famous icon of architecture.
    Address: Riverside Building, South Bank, London SE1 7PB.
  2. Soar above London on the London IFS Cloud Cable Car: Glide above the Thames and take in aerial views of London’s skyline, as you travel on the cable car from the Greenwich Peninsula to the Royal Docks. Time your visit with sunset over the river and watch the city come alive after dark with extended night flights after 7pm. The journey from one side of the Thames to the other takes around 10 minutes and return flights are also available.
    Address: North Greenwich or Royal Victoria, London SE10 0FR.
  3. Discover the magnificent Hampton Court Palace, Henry VIII’s former residence and a London must-see: Uncover Tudor treasures, glorious gardens and an iconic maze at this Grade I-listed royal palace on the banks of the river Thames. Other palace highlights include the Great Hall, which is adorned with magnificent tapestries, the Chapel Royal, home to Anne Boleyn’s Book of Hours, William III’s State Apartments and the Magic Garden adventure playground.
    Address:     East Molesey, Surrey KT8 9AU.
  4. Be dazzled by the largest diamond in the world, on display at the Tower of London’s Crown Jewels exhibition: Marvel at the 100 objects and 23,000 precious stones that make up the Crown Jewels. You can also take a tour with one of the Yeoman Warders around the Tower of London to hear fascinating insights into one of London’s most famous historical landmarks. Discover its 900-year history as a royal palace, prison and place of execution, arsenal, jewel house and zoo!
    Address: Tower Hill, City of London, London EC3N 4AB.
  5. Take a tour of Buckingham Palace, the official administrative headquarters of the King: On selected dates during the summer, visitors can tour the 19 State Rooms, which form the heart of the palace. Explore one of only a few working royal palaces remaining in the world today. As one of the most iconic and impressive buildings in the world, it’s a must-visit to experience the best of British history and culture.
    Address: London SW1A 1AA.
  6. Climb the dome of St Paul’s Cathedral and enjoy spectacular views across London: Discover a working cathedral steeped in history, experience breathtaking views from the Stone and Golden Galleries and marvel at the marble architecture throughout this historic landmark. Destroyed by the Great Fire of London in 1666, the current building was designed by Sir Christopher Wren and completed in 1710. Its iconic dome is 111 metres (364ft) high and is one of the largest cathedral domes in the world.
    Address:     London EC4M 8AD.
  7. Be in the right place at the right time to see Tower Bridge lift up: Enjoy a panoramic view of the city from the Glass Floors and high-level Walkways, 42 metres (138ft) above the river. Then head to the magnificent Victorian Engine Rooms to hear about the lives of the people who kept the bridge going. Tower Bridge has become one of the most popular things to do for visitors to the city. Explore this iconic London landmark on a self-guided tour or join one of the expert-led London Tower Bridge tours.
    Address: Tower Bridge Road, London SE1 2UP.
  8. See Egyptian mummies and objects from around the world at the British Museum: Founded in 1753, the British Museum has a collection covering two million years of history. Travel from ancient Greece and Egypt to Africa and China, or from Roman Britain to medieval Europe, in more than 60 free galleries centred around the magnificent Great Court. Showcasing human knowledge in all forms, the British Museum was the world’s first public museum of its kind and attracts more than six million visitors each year.
    Address: Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG.
  9. Get closer to the most interesting tourist attractions in London with a guided walking tour: When it comes to walking tours in London, there are plenty of exciting themes and options to choose from. Whether you’re interested in famous historical figures such as Jack the Ripper, fascinated by royal London or just want to sample London’s brilliant food, attractions and architecture, there’s a London walking tour for you!
  10. Sit back and get an overview of London’s most gorgeous sights on a bus tour: London is one of the most walkable cities in the world, but sometimes you just want to sit back, relax and enjoy the sights from the comfort of your seat. Choose from sightseeing tours of top London landmarks, night-time tours, movie tours, ghost tours and even tours with afternoon tea.
  11. Take a boat trip on the river Thames and see London in style: The river Thames is the perfect vantage point for some of London’s most iconic sites come rain or shine. Escape the crowds and experience London’s beautiful scenery glide by with a Thames river cruise by day or night. Options include jazz cruises, dining experiences, sightseeing rides, speedboats and more!
  12. Catch the iconic Changing the Guard ceremony in front of Buckingham Palace: An absolute must-do in London, Changing the Guard is a formal ceremony in which the group of soldiers protecting Buckingham Palace are replaced by a new group of soldiers. The famous London guards have been around for centuries, with the first ceremony taking place during the reign of King Henry VII. This free London event is very popular, so arrive early to secure a spot with a good view!
  13. See London’s famous bronze lion statues, fountains and Nelson’s Column at Trafalgar Square: One of London’s most popular tourist destinations and a must-do, Trafalgar Square is also home to the fantastic National Gallery, historic buildings, statues and monuments, and a range of exciting events throughout the year.
  14. Snap a photo at Piccadilly Circus in front of its iconic electronic advertising boards: Piccadilly Circus is another one of London’s most popular destinations. From here, you can easily walk to Piccadilly, Leicester Square, Shaftesbury Avenue and Regent Street. It’s the perfect central London starting point from which to explore the surrounding Soho and Chinatown areas.
  15. Stand across the Prime Meridian Line in historic Greenwich and take time to explore the area: Famed for giving its name to Greenwich Mean Time, Greenwich is where hemispheres meet. It’s home to a Unesco World Heritage Site, The O2 entertainment venue, London’s only cable car and the city’s oldest Royal Park. Discover breathtaking views, royal heritage and amazing attractions, all in a beautiful riverside setting minutes from central London.