10 Things to Do in London, UK

London is one of my favorite cities in the world! Luckily for me, I was able to spend a year of my life studying abroad there during college, and wanted to share some of my favorite things to do and places to see! London is a huge city, so this list couldn't include everything, but it definitely will give you an idea of all this amazing and historical city has to offer!

1. High Tea at Fortnum and Masons

Nothing says ‘British' like a cup of tea in the afternoon. While there are many places to grab a cup throughout the city, the one place to do it in style is at the famous department store, Fortnum & Masons. In the elegant and stylish Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon, customers can enjoy an afternoon of tea while nibbling on small sandwiches and scones.

Cost: £40.00 per person (with choice of Fortnum's Classic Blend); £44.00 per person (with choice of Fortnum's Single Estate Tea)

Insider Tip: It is highly recommended you make reservations in advance. These can be done online, on the phone (020 7734 8040), or by emailing reservations@fortnumandmason.co.uk

2. Visit a Museum

London is home to some of the best museums in the world and the best part is that many of them are free of charge! Check out the list below of some of the museums I frequented during my time in London.

• Tate Modern: Fans of modern art will definitely want to check out this free museum located on the south side of the River Thames close to Shakespeare's Globe Theatre. Tate Modern displays its modern art in four main thematic sections: Poetry & Dream, Energy & Process, Structure & Clarity, and Transformed Visions.

• Tate Britain: Located on Milibank along the Thames, this museum displays British art from 1500 to present day. The museum is free and offers daily guided tours at 11:00, 12:00, 2:00 and 3:00 that span the museum art's 500 years.

• British Museum: Located on Great Russell Street, the British Museum is home to some pretty amazing works including the Rosetta Stone (the key to deciphering ancient hieroglyphics), the sandstone frieze (a piece from an ancient Nubian cathedral), the Discus Thrower (one of the most famous images from the ancient world), and a colossal statue of Ramses II (one of the largest pieces of Egyptian sculpture in the museum). The museum is quite extensive with many rooms of cultural pieces. The best part? Free admission!

• National Gallery: This museum takes up one side of the famous Trafalgar Square and houses one of the greatest collections of paintings in the world. Considering that you can view works from artists such as Vincent Van Gogh, Vermeer, Monet, Rembrandt and Leonardo da Vinci, it is amazing that is is free.

• Victoria and Albert Museum: Located in South Kensington on Cromwell Road, the V&A is one of the leading museums of art and design in the world. They have an unmatched collection of contemporary as well as historic art and include pieces of architecture, photography, sculpture, ceramics, fashion, furniture, jewelry, textiles, and many more. Admission to the museum is also free!

• Churchill War Rooms: This museum is a part of the larger Imperial War Museum group and lets visitors discover the underground bunker used by Churchill and his government during the Blitz in WWII. Admission is £18 for adults, and £9 for children (ages 5-15). The museum does offer family packages for 1 adult (£31.50), 2 children or 2 adults, 2 children (£47.25). Although this museum is not free, it is worth the money to see the actual war rooms and learn stories about the people living underground while London was being bombed above.

3. Shop til you drop!

London is a great city if you are a shopping addict, like myself. While there are many stores all over the city, the following areas are definitely worth checking out!

• Covent Garden: Located East of Trafalgar Square between Charing Cross Road and Drury Lane (Do you know the muffin man?), Covent Garden is home to some excellent shops but is equally famous for its great dining options. There are great pubs scattered throughout, one of the oldest in the area being Lamb and Flag. In the central square, you can often find street performers who put on fun little shows from time to time. Other entertainment options include the Royal Opera House, Theatre Royal, and the London Transport Museum, which is super cool. If you happen to be looking for a fun place to karaoke with a live band at night, Roadhouse is a lot of fun!

• Oxford Street: This famous street is one of the most popular shopping destinations in the city of London. Along it's length, you can find a variety of stores, many of which have locations worldwide. Make sure to check out Selfridges, one of the famous department stores in London. Another notable store for bargain hunters is Primark, located close to the end of the street.

• Camden Market: This shopping area is made up of three main areas: Union Street, The Lock, and The Stables. Each area features vintage clothes and independent stores with clothes with very cheap price tags. If you feel up for hunting for some great finds, want to taste global street food, make sure to add Camden Market to your shopping itinerary.

4. Buckingham Palace & Changing of the Guards Ceremony

You can't come to London and not stop by to see where British royalty has resided for hundreds of years! Buckingham Palace is located at one end of St. James park down The Mall leading from Trafalgar Square, which is a beautiful walk on a nice day. Start in Trafalgar Square and pass through the arches and down to Buckingham along the roads paved red for the royals. One of the best times to visit the palace is during the changing of the guards, held at 11:30 AM daily. On a nice day, the event can get really crowded, so show up early if you want a prime spot right against the gilded fence.

It is also possible to get tours of the inside of the palace. Click here for more info on visiting the State Rooms and buying tickets for a guided tour.

Cost: Free! Unless buying tickets for a tour inside (see link above)

Insider Tip:  The Changing of the Guards can also be seen at the Horse Stables (located on Whitehall), which sometimes offers you a closer view. On very wet days, the changing of the guard ceremony is not held; if it's ‘chucking it down,' as the British say, skip it.

5. Big Ben & the Houses of Parliament

The clock tower above the Houses of Parliament, dubbed Big Ben, is one of the most iconic images of London. The clock inside is a whopping 13 tons and has struck the hours since 1859. The tower and Houses of Parliament look amazing when lit up at night. It is possible to book tours of the Houses of Parliament: click here for more information on booking one.

Cost: Free to view Big Ben! Tours of the Houses of Parliament are £25 for adults and £10 for children.

Insider Tip: Some of the best photos of the Big Ben clock tower and the Houses of Parliament can be taken on the south side of the River Thames across Westminster Bridge. If you want to book a guided tour of Parliament, it is wise to do so months in advance to ensure availability.

6. Visit a Famous Church

• St Paul's Cathedral: This church is a staple of the London skyline. The large dome on top is the second largest in the world. When you visit, climb the 528 steps up to the highest gallery and glimpse a spectacular view of London below. The inside of the Cathedral is also exceptionally beautiful. The cost of entry is £18 for adults, £16 for students and seniors, and £8 for children. Tickets let you access the Cathedral floor, the Crypt, and the three galleries in the dome. 15-20 minutes guided tours are available regularly from Monday to Saturday.

• Westminster Abbey: This beautiful church is a must-see when visiting London. It was the site of Will and Kate's royal wedding (I was there!) as well as the coronation church for British royalty since the days of William the Conquerer in 1066. Some highlights to check out when you visit are the burial sites of Charles Darwin and Charles Dickens, the grave of the unknown soldier, a memorial to Isaac Newton, the College Gardens (oldest garden in England apparently), as well as several impressive statues and monuments. In addition to all the history, the Abbey has absolutely stunning architecture. Tickets for entry to one of the world's greatest churches are £20 for adults, £17 for students and seniors, and £9 for children. The Abbey is open on Sunday for worship only, free of charge.

7. Tower of London & the Crown Jewels

The Tower of London was once home to some of the most famous prisoners in the history of England. Visit this iconic location that was once mean to strike fear into the hearts of the citizens. Today, it houses the priceless treasures that make up the crown jewels, the royal armory collection, and the legendary ravens that are said to keep the kingdom from falling. Other notable exhibits include the Line of Kings, the longest running exhibition at the Tower, the torture devices used on prisoners, and the Tower Green, where many historical figures were executed including Anne Boleyn, the second wife of King Henry VIII.

Cost: £24.50 (Adults), £11.00 (Children 5-15), £18.70 (Students with ID, Seniors over 60), £60.70 (Family Pack, 2 adults and up to 3 children). Save £1 on tickets when you buy in advance online.

Insider Tip: Make sure to take a tour with a Yeoman Warder! These tour guides are hard to miss in their classic outfits and are super fun! Historically, Warders served as the guards to the Tower. Today, each Warder is required to have served for at least 22 years honorably in the royal armed forces. The tours are a great way to learn fun facts about the Tower you otherwise might have missed. Tours leave every 30 minutes from the main entrance and last about an hour. The price is included in your admission ticket, so you would be a fool to miss it!

8. Catch a show

• Theatreland: With a high concentration of theaters in the West End of Central London, the main theatre district has become known as ‘Theatreland.' The area is north of the Strand, south of Oxford street, with Regent Street and Kingsway flanking it on the west and east side. There are about forty venues that make up London's theatre district, and many show classic Broadway plays like Wicked, The Lion King, Jersey Boys, Chicago, Les Miserables, and Phantom of the Opera. If you get a chance, I highly recommend attending a show. There is definitely something for everybody to enjoy!
• Shakespeare's Globe: If you are interested in a more classic English play, head south of the Thames and check out Shakespeare's Globe Theatre. This reconstruction of the original theatre sits on Southbank and offers an exciting experience for Shakespeare lovers! Tickets are available for many of Shakespeare's classic plays. To find out what is playing check their website for the current season. Tickets are available for both sitting (ranges from £17 – £50) as well as standing (only £5!!!!!). I went several times and bought a ticket to stand in the ‘Yard' each time. Even though the plays are not short, you get the best view of the action while standing, it is the cheapest option, and the time will fly by! If you don't have time to watch a whole show, you can still buy a ticket for their exhibition and theatre tour.

9. Parks Galore!

London is home to some amazing green spaces that are the perfect place for a stroll or a picnic. Check out my list below of some of my favorite parks I frequented.

• St James Park: This is the oldest of the eight royal parks of London. It is located next to many landmarks like Buckingham Palace and the Horse Guards Parade. Since it is near the center of ceremonial London, there are many events that are held in the park, such as the annual Trooping the Color. This celebration is held each year for the Queen's birthday in the Horse Guard Parade. It is a exciting show of pageantry and if you are in London in June, you should definitely make plans to see it!

• Hyde Park: Each year millions of people visit Hyde Park to view the Diana Memorial Fountain and the Serpentine, a winding river through the park. Hyde Park is home to many events and leisure activities during both summer and winter months. In the winter, the park hosts its Winter Wonderland festival, full of rides, Christmas market, and mulled wine. In the summer, visitors can rent boats and float on The Serpentine or take a dip in the water.

• Regent's Park: Located in the north west area of London, this park boasts some of the largest outdoor sports area in central London. The park is also home to the world famous Queen Mary's Gardens, which features over 12,000 roses and 85 different varieties. The best time to see the blooms is during the first two weeks of June. Pencil in some time to wander through the park and enjoy the endless beauty during the warmer summer months.

10. Eat like a local

• Borough Market: As one of London's oldest, largest and busiest markets, Borough Market is an exceptional place to find fresh produce from Britain as well as internationally! Come to check out the baked goods (think chocolate, fudge, cakes, cupcakes, bread), dairy products (delicious cheeses!), seafood, fresh fruits & veggies, spices, condiments, meat and much more. Every Monday and Tuesday, the market opens for lunch from 10 am to 5 pm. On Wednesday through Saturday, come to experience the full market and wander through the various traders, sampling a little of everything. Definitely a must see!

• Brick Lane: As an area of London where immigrants used to settle, there is a large variety of food and products here. It is also the go-to part of the city for Indian food, often called the ‘curry capital of the UK.' If you are a fan of Indian cuisine, definitely plan a dinner in this area as there are several curry houses, some of which are quite famous. Most restaurants are BYOB, so buy your alcohol ahead of time and enjoy! On Sunday they have a market with everything you could imagine from clothing to jewelry, and of course food.
• Pubs: The British are fond of their pubs and you will find them just about everywhere in London. Make sure to duck inside one for a pint and the classic dish of fish & chips, which is fried white fish with fries on the side. Pubs are a great place to really experience London culture, as they are frequented mainly by the local people. Make sure to save room for dessert for another English classic – sticky toffee pudding. This dessert is one of my absolute favorite and it is on the menu in almost every pub.

London Pass helps you save!

If you are interested in seeing many of the London attractions, you should seriously consider purchasing the London Pass. This inclusive pass allows you entry to over 60 London attractions for one price. An added bonus is you get to skip any long lines and go right to the front. Many of the most popular tourist destinations are included on the pass, such as the Tower of London, River Thames Boat Cruise, Westminster Abbey, London Zoo, many of the palaces (including Hampton Court and Windsor), Churchill War Rooms, Shakespeare's Globe and many more! Passes are available for 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, or 6 days. There is also an option of adding an Oyster card to your pass to help get around.

Getting Around

The easiest, and cheapest, way to get around London is on their underground train system known to most as The Tube. This system is quite extensive and most stops are within easy walking distance of each other. If you are planning to stay for a few days, purchase an Oyster card and add a pass to it to save you both time and money. This will save you the stress of having to top it off every time you want to go somewhere. Oyster cards are also good on the bus system – and riding a big double decker red bus is also something to try!

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

Have you been to London? Share some of your favorite things to do below!