Top 10 things to do in London

Top 10 things to do in London

Date: 12/09/2025 By Categories: Travel UK Tags: , , , , , , No comments

London is a city that begs you to wander, taste, and dig a little deeper. Whether it’s your first visit or you’re returning to uncover the city’s lesser-known corners, there’s a dazzling array of things to do and some cost surprisingly little. Having scoured local recommendations and real traveler reviews, here’s a friendly, expert guide to the top 10 things to do in London, including free museums, timeless markets, breathtaking viewpoints, and authentic London experiences.

The Quick List: Must-Do Experiences in London

  1. Marvel at the British Museum (Free)

  2. Eat and explore at Borough Market (Free to wander, food from £5)

  3. Stroll along the South Bank and view major landmarks

  4. Visit the Harry Potter Studio Tour (£51.50 for adults)

  5. Catch a complimentary walking tour (Tips welcome)

  6. Cruise the Thames via Uber Boat or Clipper (from £7)

  7. Discover vintage shops and bookstores (Prices vary)

  8. Wander Kew Gardens (£21.50 adults standard entry)

  9. Relax in hidden parks: Hampstead Pergola, St. Dunstan in the East, Parkland Walk (Free)

  10. Experience theatre or live comedy (National Theatre, Top Secret Comedy Club; tickets from £1–£10)

1. Marvel at the British Museum (Free)

The British Museum regularly tops London’s must-visit lists for good reason—and it’s free! Boasting one of the world’s greatest collections, from the Rosetta Stone to the Parthenon sculptures, it’s a treasure trove for history lovers and curious minds. Local Londoners note the V&A Museum is similarly excellent and also free to visit. You can easily spend a whole afternoon losing yourself in the galleries, and the proximity to other cultural icons (like Covent Garden and the National Portrait Gallery) makes it a convenient starting point for Central London exploration.

2. Eat and Explore at Borough Market

A feast for all senses, Borough Market is London’s oldest food market, thriving with artisanal stalls, fresh produce, and international treats. You can wander for free, but allow at least £5–£10 for a selection of street eats. Travelers rave about grabbing a steaming cheese toastie, a sausage roll, or a crisp pint from one of the market pubs. Local tip: Broadway Market and Camden Market are also suggested for affordable, tasty street food, with fewer crowds in some cases.

3. Stroll Along the South Bank

Few experiences capture the London vibe like a walk along the South Bank. Start at the London Eye (£25 if you want the view, but walking is free), passing the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and the National Theatre (which runs cheap ticket offers for as little as £5–£10). Locals highlight sunsets here as “magical,” with easy access to riverside pubs and pop-up food stalls. Continue to Tower Bridge and the Tate Modern, which is one of the free world-class museums that many Londoners treasure.

4. Visit the Harry Potter Studio Tour

Not just for superfans, the Harry Potter Studio Tour is a dazzling journey through the world of wizarding. Set outside London in Watford, tickets are £51.50 for adults (children £40). Travelers recommend booking months in advance. This magical walk through sets, costumes, and props is consistently rated one of London’s most memorable experiences.

5. Complimentary Walking Tours (Tips Welcome)

London’s free walking tours deliver far more than “tourist traps.” Guides (often history buffs or actors) share fun backstories, urban legends, and hidden corners that most visitors miss. While tours are free, it’s customary (and fair) to tip your guide. The experience isn’t just informative; it feels like exploring the city with a new friend. From Jack the Ripper tours in the East End to literary walks around Bloomsbury, these options offer affordable immersion and genuine connection. Join a tour for interesting tales and exposure to London’s lesser-known treasures.

6. Cruise the Thames: Uber Boat or Clipper

Think outside the Tube—London’s Thames ferries (Uber Boat or Clipper) are fast, fun, and offer unique views of the city’s skyline. Tickets start at £7, and you can hop between many top sites, from Greenwich’s historic docks and market to Westminster’s iconic towers. Travelers highlight this as a relaxing alternative to buses or trains, and recommend sitting topside for open-air panoramas. Major museums located along the river (like the Tate Modern, Globe Theatre, and Maritime Museum in Greenwich) are easily accessible by boat.

7. Vintage Shops and Used Bookstores

Londoners with a passion for books recommend Skoob and Judd Books in Bloomsbury, especially for philosophy and used gems. Camden and Shoreditch are hotspots for vintage clothing, with Brick Lane and Greenwich Market also featuring both thrift boutiques and antiques. Prices vary, but browsing is free—and you may uncover treasures for a few pounds. Many Redditors highlight the joy of finding pop-up markets and little independent bookshops hidden throughout the city.

8. Kew Gardens and Beautiful Green Spaces

Kew Gardens (£21.50 for adults standard entry) is a botanical wonderland, packed with glasshouses, a treetop walkway, and thousands of plant species. Primed for picnics and photo moments, it’s the favorite London destination for nature lovers. Other urban green escapes include Hampstead Heath’s hilltop views, the Pergola at Hampstead (a secret garden spot), and tranquil spots such as St. Dunstan in the East and Parkland Walk (an abandoned railway turned leafy path)—all recommended as peaceful hidden gems by locals.

9. Hidden Parks and Scenic Walks

If you’re looking to get away from central London’s crowds, the city boasts a surprisingly vast array of green spaces. Parkland Walk (North London) is perfect for longer strolls and birdwatching. Brompton Cemetery, Victoria Park, Walthamstow Wetlands, and Alexandra Palace each offer a blend of history, wild greenery, and local flavor. St. Dunstan in the East, a bombed-out church turned garden, is frequently mentioned for its tranquility.

10. London’s World-Class Theatre and Live Comedy

London is a theatre powerhouse with surprisingly affordable tickets if you know where to look. National Theatre and Top Secret Comedy Club both offer tickets from £1–£10, while West End theatres sell discount seats (check TKTS in Leicester Square for best deals). Some comedy nights are “work in progress” with tickets as low as £1–£2; locals note the chance to see famous comedians before they get big. For teens and young adults, National Theatre offers £5 or £10 seats, making world-class entertainment accessible for little more than a cup of coffee.

Honorable Mentions from Locals

  • Visit the SkyGarden (Free, book ahead)—Panoramic city views rivaling the London Eye.

  • Explore hidden museums: Sir John Soane’s, Churchill War Rooms, and the Fan Museum.

  • Wander cemetery trails: London’s Victorian cemeteries and Brompton Cemetery.

  • Enjoy street food in Dalston—authentic Turkish at Mangal 1, cheap and delicious.

  • Take in art at Tate Britain and Tate Modern (both free).

  • Try scone-making or food tours via GetYourGuide for hands-on fun.

What Makes These Experiences Authentic?

True London life (and fun) comes from a mix of the famous and the hidden: world-class museums that don’t cost a penny, market food and thrift shops popular with locals, riverside walks with city views, and lively parks away from the crowds. The top 10 things to do in London are chosen not just for their popularity, but because they consistently appear in local recommendations and traveler reviews for cost, atmosphere, and quality.

Price Guide and Local Tips

  • Museums: Free (British Museum, V&A, Tate Britain, National Portrait Gallery)

  • Harry Potter Studio Tour: £51.50 adults, £40 children (book early!)

  • Public parks, hidden gardens: Free

  • Kew Gardens: £21.50 adults

  • Thames Boat Ride: From £7 single journey

  • Street Food Markets: £5–£10 per meal

  • Comedy or Theatre: £1–£10 (check early for deals!)

Summary: Top 10 Things to Do in London at a Glance

  • British Museum (free world history)

  • Borough Market (iconic food, buzzing atmosphere)

  • South Bank walk (landmarks & sunsets)

  • Harry Potter Studio Tour (magical and immersive)

  • Free walking tours (local immersion)

  • Thames cruise (unique views & access)

  • Vintage shops/bookstores (local treasures)

  • Kew Gardens (botanical beauty)

  • Parks & hidden gardens (peaceful escapes)

  • Theatre/comedy (affordable world-class entertainment)

London is all about moments spent wandering, tasting, laughing, and chilling. With so much to do, much of it either free or affordable, it’s no wonder people fall hard for this city, and why coming back for another stroll along the Thames or an unexpected market adventure feels so natural.