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12 Top Things To Do in London

With some of the world’s best museums, attractions, music venues, restaurants and shopping, it’s impossible to be bored in London. Whether you’ve just arrived in the City or lived here all your life, there’s so much to see and do. Our handy guides will help you discover the very best of London from tourist hot-spots, to less well-known local secrets so when you’re looking for things to do in London, there really is something for everyone.

#1 BUCKINGHAM PALACE

Palace in Westminster, London

One of the top things that tourists love to do in London, is to visit Buckingham Palace. It’s a great way to find out just how many bathrooms there are or where the Queen exercises her Corgis. If you want to really learn about London, start than right at the top with the Royals themselves!

buckingham palace

 

#2 CAMDEN MARKET EXPERIENCE

Eclectic market in London

Looking for things to do in London for free? Have a wander around one of London’s most iconic markets and browse eclectic handmade jewellery, printed t-shirts, vintage homeware and more. The market is renowned for its street food stalls selling everything from vegan curries to waffles.

camden market

 

#3 BIG BEN SIGHTSEEING TOUR

Clock tower in London

You may be surprised to learn that Big Ben is the nickname for the bell inside, not the tower-which is officially titled The Elizabeth Tower. But how did it get this name and when was it built? If you’re looking for things to do in London, there’s still plenty to discover and visiting Big Ben makes a great day out.

big ben

 

#4 london zoo

World's oldest scientific zoo 

If you’re looking for something different to do in London, escape from the hustle and bustle of the city by getting hands on with nature at London Zoo. Built in the centre of the beautiful Regents Park, this is a great place for a family day out. With over 700 species, there’s something for everyone.

london zoo

 

#5 madame tussauds

Wax museum in London

Where else would you be able to spend the day rubbing shoulders with the likes of Tom Hardy, E.T, Ed Sheeran, Dame Helen Mirren, The Incredible Hulk and Usain Bolt? Oh, and you’ll probably see the Queen too. Madame Tussauds is the place to visit in London where you’re guaranteed to bump into celebs.

madame tussauds

 

#6 London Eye

Ferris wheel in London

Where can you go to get a one-off, birds-eye view of London? Also known as the Millenium Wheel, the London Eye is 135 metres tall and overlooks the whole of the city. Being Europe's tallest Ferris wheel, the London Eye is the perfect thing to cross off your ‘London bucket-list’.

london eye

 

#7 tower bridge

Iconic Victorian bascule bridge in London

One of the most famous bridges in the world, London’s Tower Bridge is a ‘must-see’ when visiting the city. Built between 1886 and 1894, it’s steeped in history. Find out why the bridge had a facelift for the Queen’s Jubilee and how an aircraft pilot flew straight down the Thames through the middle of the bridge.

tower bridge

 

#8 HYDE PARK

Large green space in London

When visiting all the sights of London, it’s easy to think about its iconic buildings but London is also famous for its beautiful green spaces. Hyde Park is the largest of all the parks, covering 350 acres and is the perfect place to go to get away from the noise and bustle of the city.

hyde park

 

#9 stonehenge

Neolithic monument near London

If you’re looking to get away from the usual tourist attractions, visit Stonehenge’s ancient stone circle. Built 5,0000 years ago, it’s still not understood what the circle was built for or how the stones were moved. But it makes for a fascinating day trip, within easy reach of London.

stonehenge

 

#10 JACK THE RIPPER game

Adventure city game in London

Wondering what to do in London this weekend? How about an unusual sightseeing tour following the story of Jack the Ripper? Learn all about one of London’s most grisly figures by visiting where he committed his crimes, how many victims he had and what his motives were.

jack the ripper

 

#11 river thames boat tour

The longest river in England

If you’re looking to visit the very best of what London has to offer, where else would you start but the very heart of the City, the River Thames. London’s most famous waterway is 215 miles long and is home to some of the capital cities best attractions within walking distance.

river thames

 

#12 the view from the shard

306m-high skyscraper in London

How quickly can you get 95 floors above London street level? At London’s Shard you can race to the top in an elevator in just under a minute. The Shard is a glass skyscraper that towers above London City and earns its place as the tallest building in Western Europe.

the shard

 

Events in London View All

Walking With Dinosaurs – The Arena Spectacular, 31 July - 30 December, Eight Locations (Up to 51% Off)
TRENDING
Walking With Dinosaurs – The Arena Spectacular, 31 July - 30 December, Eight Locations (Up to 51% Off)
Multiple Locations • 5.6 km
£44.50 £22.30
(40)
50% discount_off
Cabaret Show with Three-Course Dinner and Cocktail for Up to Ten at Proud Embankment (Up to 58% Off)
TRENDING
Cabaret Show with Three-Course Dinner and Cocktail for Up to Ten at Proud Embankment (Up to 58% Off)
London • 0.8 km
£70 £29.95
(45)
57% discount_off
Moscow State Circus, 5–28 October in Plymouth and London (Up to 50% Off)
TRENDING
Moscow State Circus, 5–28 October in Plymouth and London (Up to 50% Off)
Multiple Locations • 3.6 km
£26 £13
(584)
50% discount_off
Creative Craft Show, 15 - 17 November, ExCel London (Up to 40% Off)
Creative Craft Show, 15 - 17 November, ExCel London (Up to 40% Off)
ExCeL Centre • 6.3 km
£10 £6
(195)
40% discount_off
London Stadium Tour: Home of London 2012, and West Ham (up to 15% off)
London Stadium Tour: Home of London 2012, and West Ham (up to 15% off)
London • 5.4 km
£10 £8.50
(5)
15% discount_off
Ideal Home Show at Christmas, 21 - 25 November, London Olympia (Up to 53% Off)
Ideal Home Show at Christmas, 21 - 25 November, London Olympia (Up to 53% Off)
Olympia • 3.6 km
£31.69 £15
1,000+ bought
53% discount_off
Forbidden Nights on 15 September - 20 October at Infernos (Up to 35% Off)
Forbidden Nights on 15 September - 20 October at Infernos (Up to 35% Off)
Infernos • 3.2 km
£21.49 £14
(20)
35% discount_off
The Fertility Show, 3 - 4 November at Olympia London (Up to 49% Off)
The Fertility Show, 3 - 4 November at Olympia London (Up to 49% Off)
Olympia • 3.8 km
£21.75 £11
70+ bought
49% discount_off
The OM Yoga Show, 19–21 October at Alexandra Palace (Up to 54% Off)
The OM Yoga Show, 19–21 October at Alexandra Palace (Up to 54% Off)
Alexandra Palace • 5.9 km
£24 £11
(7)
54% discount_off
The Netherlands National Circus, 10–28 October, Three Locations (Up to 50% Off)
The Netherlands National Circus, 10–28 October, Three Locations (Up to 50% Off)
Multiple Locations • 7.7 km
£16 £8
(123)
50% discount_off
London Concertante: Vivaldi – The Four Seasons by Candlelight at Southwark Cathedral, 16 Jun - 17 Nov (Up to 37% Off)
London Concertante: Vivaldi – The Four Seasons by Candlelight at Southwark Cathedral, 16 Jun - 17 Nov (Up to 37% Off)
Southwark Cathedral • 1.6 km
£26.99 £17
(435)
37% discount_off
Circus Zyair on 17 - 21 October at Sidcup Place Park (Up to 61% Off)
Circus Zyair on 17 - 21 October at Sidcup Place Park (Up to 61% Off)
Circus Zyair • 11.5 km
£22.98 £10
(2253)
56% discount_off
Westminster Organ Festival on 30 May - 24 October at Westminster Cathedral (Up to 38% Off)
Westminster Organ Festival on 30 May - 24 October at Westminster Cathedral (Up to 38% Off)
Westminster Cathedral • 1.1 km
£12 £7.50
(38)
38% discount_off
Friday Cabaret Show with Nightclub Entry at Café de Paris (50% Off)
Friday Cabaret Show with Nightclub Entry at Café de Paris (50% Off)
Piccadilly Circus • 0.3 km
£20 £10
(72)
50% discount_off
The World Burlesque Games on 9 - 11 November at Shaw Theatre (Up to 47% Off)
The World Burlesque Games on 9 - 11 November at Shaw Theatre (Up to 47% Off)
SHAW THEATRE, • 1.4 km
£33.75 £19
(58)
44% discount_off

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Things to do in London with kidsView All

Bond in Motion, 26 September–9 December at London Film Museum (Up to 50% Off)
TRENDING
Bond in Motion, 26 September–9 December at London Film Museum (Up to 50% Off)
London Film Museum • 0.3 km
£9.50 £4.75
(84)
50% discount_off
Florence Nightingale Museum Entry for Two Adults or Family of Two Adults and Two Children (Up to 33% Off)
TRENDING
Florence Nightingale Museum Entry for Two Adults or Family of Two Adults and Two Children (Up to 33% Off)
London • 0.7 km
£15 £10
(35)
33% discount_off
Jack the Ripper Guided Walk for Up to Four from Jack the Ripper Museum (Up to 45% Off)
Jack the Ripper Guided Walk for Up to Four from Jack the Ripper Museum (Up to 45% Off)
London • 2.2 km
£10 £6
(8)
40% discount_off
Shakespeare's Globe Exhibition, Child, Adult or Family Ticket, 8 May - 31 October (Up to 33% Off)
TRENDING
Shakespeare's Globe Exhibition, Child, Adult or Family Ticket, 8 May - 31 October (Up to 33% Off)
Shakespeare's Globe • 1.3 km
£4.50 £3
(43)
33% discount_off
Pennybridge Alpacas: Two-Hour Experience For Two, Four or Six People from £25
Pennybridge Alpacas: Two-Hour Experience For Two, Four or Six People from £25
Pennybridge Alpacas • 41.6 km
(558)
£25 £25
Eagle Heights Animal Sanctuary: Entry for One or Two (40% Off)
Eagle Heights Animal Sanctuary: Entry for One or Two (40% Off)
Eagle Heights • 16.8 km
£9.95 £5.95
(611)
40% discount_off
Halloween Maze and Pumpkin Carving for Three or Four at (Up to 39% Off)
Halloween Maze and Pumpkin Carving for Three or Four at (Up to 39% Off)
​Little Kingshill, Chiltern • 21.3 km
£18 £11
(87)
39% discount_off
Fright Night Ticket at JC Farming (20% Off)
Fright Night Ticket at JC Farming (20% Off)
​Little Kingshill, Chiltern • 21.3 km
£10 £8
(87)
20% discount_off
London Museum of Water and Steam: Adult or Family Entry (Up to 42% Off)
London Museum of Water and Steam: Adult or Family Entry (Up to 42% Off)
Kew Bridge, London • 7.2 km
£11.25 £6.50
(49)
42% discount_off
Brooklands Museum Entry for Up to Five (Up to 27% Off)
Brooklands Museum Entry for Up to Five (Up to 27% Off)
Weybridge • 18.5 km
£13.50 £10
(1)
26% discount_off
Eagle Heights: VIP Activity Day from £14.50 (51% Off)
Eagle Heights: VIP Activity Day from £14.50 (51% Off)
Eagle Heights • 16.8 km
£29.75 £14.50
(611)
51% discount_off
Colchester Zoo Shriek Week Entry, 20-28 October (Up to 22% Off)
Colchester Zoo Shriek Week Entry, 20-28 October (Up to 22% Off)
Colchester • 47.9 km
£22.99 £18.50
(1289)
20% discount_off
Meerkat Experience for Two or Four at Eagle Heights (Up to 62% Off)
Meerkat Experience for Two or Four at Eagle Heights (Up to 62% Off)
Eagle Heights • 16.8 km
£90 £35
(611)
61% discount_off
90-Minute Miniature Pig Pet-and-Play Experience for One or Family of Four at Kew Little Pigs (up to 57% off)
NEW
90-Minute Miniature Pig Pet-and-Play Experience for One or Family of Four at Kew Little Pigs (up to 57% off)
Amersham • 24.3 km
£30 £16
(82)
47% discount_off
Three-Hour Falconry Experience for Up to Four or a Spectator Experience for One at The Falconry School (Up to 69% Off*)
Three-Hour Falconry Experience for Up to Four or a Spectator Experience for One at The Falconry School (Up to 69% Off*)
The Falconry School
£80 £29
(7)
64% discount_off
 

MAKING THE MOST OF LONDON WITH GROUPON

As one of the world’s biggest and most vibrant cities, there are amazing things to do in London any day of the week. And when it feels like there’s something new to discover around every corner, you may get overwhelmed wondering what you could be missing out on. With a little help from Groupon, you’ll have no problem diving into some of the best things to do in London.

Things to do for free in London

Although it might be known as quite a pricey city, there are actually lots of free things to do in London. A sizeable portion of London’s best sights can be seen with the only price being a ticket on the Tube to get there.

Heading to the area around Westminster Bridge is a great idea, with lots of interesting things to see within a short walking distance of each other. Starting at Westminster Palace or Westminster Abbey, with just a short hop and a skip you could end up at Trafalgar Square or Hyde Park in no time at all. You can even get inside some of the bigger attractions, like the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square for free.

London is also chock full of fantastic views which don’t cost a thing. Head to London Bridge for some great views of iconic Tower Bridge and the HMS Belfast.

Romantic things to do in London

Exploding with both elegant places to visit and cosy nooks to spend the evening, there are lots of things to do in London for couples. Heading to the romantic hotspot of Notting Hill is an essential that isn’t just reserved for lovers of the film. It’s a particularly pretty area of London and its streets lined with quaint townhouses and shops are perfect for a romantic stroll after brunch (keep an eye out for any Groupon brunch deals on this page).

Covent Garden is another popular destination for date night - the elegant glass and steel building is filled with boutique shops and upscale places to have a romantic meal. As an added bonus, the beautifully enclosed piazza means that you can focus on enjoying your date without having to worry about our typical British weather.

If you’re leaning more towards things to do in London at night together, then there’s no better area than SOHO. This famous area is filled with bars, places to eat, nightclubs and more, so you can stay out into the early hours.

What can I do in London with kids?

There’s no limit of things to do in London with kids, with everything from Madame Tussauds to the London Eye to keep them entertained. If you’re after something with a more educational slant, then the British Museum features lots of child-friendly exhibits. The museum even provides free recommended trails for families to follow.

If the kids are looking to pick up some souvenirs of their time in London, then it’s worth stopping by Oxford Street. This famous street is always busy, but it has a huge amount of variety to choose from, including the Disney Store and Hamleys on neighbouring Regent Street.

Things to do in Shoreditch

Shoreditch is an area with one of the biggest concentrations of boutique shops, small cafes and cultural things to do in London. A visit to Brick Lane is a must for any foodies, and the Spitalfields Market is great for a morning of browsing through the stalls. Make sure to keep an eye out for Shoreditch’s famous street art, which has included pieces by Banksy.

Essential travel tips & hacks for London

If you’re visiting London for the very first time, then you might find some of our essential travel tips and hacks useful:

  • Pick up an Oyster card to save on travel with public transport
  • A trip to Piccadilly Circus might be high up on your list, but be sure to avoid travelling there during rush hour
  • St Paul’s Cathedral will usually close shortly after midday for any special ceremonies, so take this in to account when planning a visit
  • Stand to the right of the escalators in the Tube to allow other people to pass by quickly

What’s the weather like in London

London is generally warmer than the rest of the UK, although it can quickly become quite muggy. If you’re planning to set out on a day of things to do in London soon, then make sure to check the forecast first so that you’re not caught out by any sudden rain.

 

Season

Min. temperature

Max. temperature

Winter

+3.1°C

+8.1°C

Spring

+5.9°C

+14.6°C

Summer

+13.7°C

+24.3°C

Autumn

+8.8°C

+15.5°C
 

How do I get around London?

Despite being a very busy city, travelling around London can be relatively straightforward. Before setting out on a trip, make sure to check the route you plan on taking (especially if it involves changing Tube lines) and check the Transport for London website for any travel updates. Most destinations can be reached by taking a bus or the Underground, although you may occasionally have to walk. Be sure to keep your Oyster card topped up so that you can cover the cost of your journey (they do have a daily cap depending on what zones you travel through).

All of London’s main transport hubs are well signposted, but you can also rely on one of London’s many black cabs for getting where you need to go, although this can quickly become rather pricey.

Now, with just a little help from Groupon, you’re ready to set out and get the very most from a fantastic time in London.