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Planning a visit to London for the first time? Take note, we’ve pulled together a curated list to take you from the tarmac to dinner, with all the must-see destinations in between.
There’s so much history to be found in the streets of this thriving city, a wealth of shopping, an abundance of eateries and plenty of places to slow down the pace among parklands along the way.
Pack your bags, book your flights and check out some of the must-see and do London activities.
What to see in London
It wouldn’t be a first-timer's trip to London without heading straight to Buckingham Palace and trying your luck at glimpsing the royal entourage and, of course, the official resident himself, King Charles III. However, the most movement you’ll see is likely the changing of the guards, so look up the time this takes place, as it only happens once a day. Stroll a little further, and you’ll find Trafalgar Square, a bustling square in the heart of London. Its centrepiece statue and fountain commemorate the British naval victory at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.
Next up, two of London’s most recognisable landmarks: Westminster Abbey and the Elizabeth Tower, home to Big Ben. Built in 960 AD, the Abbey holds a wealth of history well worth touring alongside countless coronations, royal weddings, kings, queens, statesmen and soldiers, poets, heroes and villains, and the resting place of more than 3,000 great Britons.
Eager to learn more about the rich history of England? The British Museum holds two million years of human history and culture. Alternatively, the Natural History Museum is home to fascinating exhibitions sharing historical records of animals, plants, fungi, ecosystems, geology, palaeontology, and climatology.
Another must-do in London is a visit to the World Heritage Site, the Tower of London, a castle that’ll have you peeking at the luminous Crown Jewels. Hot tip: book an audio guide tour and wander with Yeoman Warders and curators in your ears as they share fascinating stories and hidden secrets.
Take in London from above on the London Eye, Europe's tallest Ferris wheel, standing at 135 m and gifting breathtaking panoramic views of London. Not a fan of heights? The London River Cruise is a 40-minute relaxing journey along the River Thames, passing by many of London's iconic landmarks from the water.
Whether you’re a theatre buff or simply appreciative of the arts, Shakespeare's Globe will transport you back 400 years. Check out what’s on and see a show or book a guided tour to venture into the Globe Theatre with guides regaling stories of history and true crime. Learn how the original 1599 theatre survived the plague, fire and political oppression and rose again in the 1990s.
Where to shop till you drop in London
One thing Londoners know how to do is shop. The hard part? Choosing where to spend your day perusing stores and filling your bags.
Located in the heart of London’s West End, Oxford Street is fondly known as one of the premier high-end shopping streets. There are plenty of places to refuel with a drink or some food, mixed with more than 300 stores from designer outlets to landmark stores. Also found in London’s West End, Regent Street, built in 1819, is home to some of the city's oldest and most famous shops, alongside many new and much-loved fashion labels. The street was the original shopping strip in London and is known for its curved layout and iconic Christmas lights.
For lovers of high-end fashion, St James’s has the royal seal of approval, blending history with designer labels, independent boutiques and the delicious cuisines of the world. Find this luxury shopping scene in the centre of London, defined by its four corners; Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, Green Park and Buckingham Palace.
The designer labels don’t stop there, Bond Street is home to an abundance of luxury labels, jewellery makers and exclusive brands. Think Stella McCartney, Ralph Lauren, Dior, Gucci, Chanel, Alexander McQueen, Tiffany & Co, Cartier, and Jimmy Choo, just to name a few.
Of course, not all shopping in London is high-end luxury brands, the city hosts an abundance of markets filled with art, craft, antiques, jewellery, handmade goods and delicious food. Greenwich Market is a buzzing indoor scene originally established by Royal Charter in 1700. Portobello Road Market is a famous street market hosted daily in Notting Hill. Discover vintage goods, music, and a thriving food scene at Camden Market and east London is where you’ll find Broadway Market, a food lover's dream.
Got time for one more? Brixton Village is home to more than 100 independent traders, each representing a different part of the world, open daily and late with DJs and live music performances taking you into the night.
Where to eat in London
Eat your way through London and discover a bustling food scene from brunch and pastries to lunch with a view, fine dining, and mouth-wateringly good restaurants.
Start your morning or any time of the day at Beigel Bake on Brick Lane, open 24/7 with deliciously jam-packed bagels. Think juicy, hand-carved salt beef with tangy mustard and pickles, or silky smooth smoked salmon with cream cheese - the cult classics.
With multiple locations across London, there’s a reason why Dishoom is much-loved among locals. Cooking up the flavours of Bombay, India and keeping you full from breakfast to afternoon chai, dinner and late-night tipples.
Taking you on a gastronomical journey from breakfast till dinner, where conscious culinary creativity meets hospitality, find Fallow in the heart of St James. Opt for their three-course set menu for a full palate of flavours like beef tartare & oyster, oyster mayo, sesame dressing and shiso.
For an intimate fine dining experience, Cycene in Shoreditch curates a nine-course menu of seasonal ingredients using classic techniques and drawing on a passion for local seafood and game.
Serving up NYC-style pizzas in their sleek and stylish venue, EVE Kensington is an unorthodox pizza joint, open from 7am daily for coffee, catch-ups, cakes and pastries until late. They also have a number of seats available for co-working, perfect for those needing to grab a laptop and do a little bit of holiday work without compromising the vacay vibes.
Opt for a long lunch at The Summerhouse’s canal-side dining with Hamptons-inspired interiors, set along the Grand Union Canal in Little Venice. Serving up seasonal dishes with al fresco seating beside the water and a curated selection of wines, it’s the perfect spot to unwind.
Dine like royalty at Brunswick House, a restaurant, outdoor terrace and cellar bar within an antique-filled Grade II Georgian mansion originally built for the Duke of Brunswick in 1758. Book in for a Tuesday night and catch the jazz performance in the cellar weekly. For another slice of history on your plate, Sessions Art Club is housed in a grand Grade II historic listed building in Clerkenwell. The restaurant, as its name implies, is a food, bar, art and performance space shifting with each season.
Where to experience nature in London
Step outside the hustle and bustle of the city and slow it down with an afternoon surrounded by lush greenery. Richmond Park is a National Nature Reserve and one of London's eight Royal Parks. Home to ancient woods, rolling hills, grasslands, herds of red and fallow deer, countless birds, fungi, and wildflowers, a stroll through the park is absolutely one of the core things to do in London.
Step inside the ancient woodland of Epping Forest, 5,900 acres steeped in history and lush greenery, a direct green link between London and rural Essex.
Another of the Royal Parks, Hyde Park, located in the heart of London, is the perfect place to grab a takeaway coffee and slow down the pace with lake-side paths, waterfront cafés, and an abundance of wildlife to spot. Alternatively, Kensington Gardens is also a Royal Park filled with flower walks, historic tree avenues, and a statue of Peter Pan by the water, keeping the company of local swans and ducks.
Step into the lush oasis of Holland Park, 54 acres of gardens, playgrounds and woodland, perfect for the whole family. The Kyoto Japanese Garden makes for exciting discoveries with Japanese maple trees, tiered waterfalls and a pond with koi carp.
Eager to meet some more furry acquaintances? London Zoo is celebrating 200 years of conservation in London, bringing you closer to wildlife with over 8,000 amazing animals cared for within the zoo's lush rainforests to mountainous monkey-filled jungles.
Top London travel tips for first-time travellers
Like many European cities, London can get very crowded in its peak season (July to August). To avoid the rush, consider timing your holiday with the shoulder seasons.
Slow down, we’ve only skimmed the surface of what to do in this vibrant city. Don’t overwhelm yourself, take it at your own pace and make sure you’ve got more than enough time to soak in each site.
Mind the gap and travel via the tube, using contactless or an Oyster card to pay as you go. These apply to all transport services in London. Keep in mind that the tube can get very busy during peak hours (7 to 9.30am and 4 to 7pm).
Book popular attractions in advance to avoid missing out, and arrive early to avoid the crowds, especially during peak season.
Getting there & book flights
Flight time
Flight time is approximately 24 hours (one stop).