Visiting London? Tips For Things To Do While You’re There

When in London, there are staples you need to see and do. Otherwise, your trip is pretty much a waste. After all, what’s the point of going to London if you’re not going to let yourself enjoy what makes the city different from every other world capital. This quick and all-inclusive guide lists out all the essentials for you to have the perfect London experience.

Landmark Tour

When visiting London, an essential activity is seeing the city’s landmarks. In other words, what makes up the London iconic skyline and the city’s identity.

The Tower of London

The Tower of London is not as world-famous as Big Ben or Westminster Palace, but it has got to be where your adventure begins. From a royal palace to a prison, to where you can find the crown jewels, the historic fortress has long served and still serves a very important purpose.

The Shard

The tallest building in London, The Shard, offers an exquisite view of the city. Not just that, but you can also enjoy world-class cuisine while watching the sun set over the city at one of the skyscraper’s many restaurants.

The British Museums

The first national public museum in the world, the British Museum is a one-of-a-kind experience. The museum houses a wide selection of world-famous artefacts and collections. It’s without a doubt one of the best places to go if you’re a fan of world history.

The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben

You simply can’t visit London and not take the classic tourist picture in front of the Houses of Parliament and the Big Ben clock tower. Not to mention, the structures are architectural beauties and two of the city’s historical landmarks. Plus, you’ll also get to see the London Eye since it’s on the other side of the Thames.

Nightlife

Exclusive Clubs and High-End Parties

Being a famous capital and a home to iconic venues, like the O2 Arena, London is one of the best cities to party – and to spot a celebrity or two while doing so. Especially during the Wireless Festival and other big music events, it’s common to find high-end exclusive London clubs, like Tape London, Cirque Le Soir, and Tabu London packed with A-listers like P Diddy, Travis Scott, etc.

Live Music

Besides London Fashion Week, Wireless Festival, and countless other influential events, London is one of the best places to catch a live performance by any of your favourite artists. While the O2 Arena and Brixton Academy are the places to be for top international acts, you can also enjoy more low-key performances at pubs and lounges.

A True Londoner Experience

The true Londoner experience is very layered. On one hand, you have London’s hustle, bustle, elegance, and glamour. On the other hand, you’ve got more low-key spots where you’ll find your regular Londoners going about their usual day.

West End Theatres

For fans of theatre, you can’t miss a show at one of London's West End theatres. Whether you’re into classics, modern plays, musicals, or heart-wrenching tragedies, you’ll find it in the glamorous theatre district.

Museums and Art Galleries

In addition to the British Museum, London boasts an array of other museums and galleries. The Tate Modern, the National Gallery, and the Victoria and Albert Museum are all worth a visit.

Markets and Street Food

Being a cultural hub, London is home to a wide selection of street food. Where to go for the best stalls and carts? You can wade through the street food scene at places like Borough Market, Camden Market, or Portobello Road Market.

Royal Opera House

The Royal Opera House, renowned for its world-class productions and for hosting some of the best ballet companies in the world, is easily a part of the essential London experience. Make sure to book ahead though, especially if you want your pick of performances and seats.

Enjoying Nature in the City

Unlike what most people think, London isn’t all concrete. The city has some of the best and most beautiful parks. Hyde Park, for example, is one of London’s most famous parks. A perfect location for a romantic stroll or you can kick it up a notch with a boat ride on the Serpentine Lake. Meanwhile, Hampstead Heath is home to the must-see muntjac deer.

Indulging in Culinary Delights

From Nobu and Sexy Fish to Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, London's haute-cuisine scene is as diverse as its population and as glamorous as the city itself.

Traditional Afternoon Tea/Cocktails

The ultimate London experience isn’t complete without afternoon tea or cocktails. Whether you want to go all out and go for The Ritz or Claridge's or if you want a nice roof like at Tree House Hotel, it’s up to you. The most important thing is that you don’t miss out on the classic English tradition.

Practical Tips for Your London Visit

For a hassle-free London trip and the best ways to enjoy the city:

• Oyster Card – For the easiest transport solution, pick up an Oyster card when you touch down. It’s not only convenient, but it also is a cost-effective way to use London's very thorough public transportation system.
• London Pass – It’s not an essential, but investing in a London Pass could save you a lot of time and money on queues and entrance fees to a variety of attractions.
• Free Attractions – You can always have fun in London on a budget. All you’ve got to do is take advantage of the city’s free hotspots; the British Museum, National Gallery, and Tate Modern are a few to keep in mind.
• Timed Tickets - For popular attractions with too long of a queue, the London Eye or Warner Bros. Studio for example, buying a timed ticket online will keep you from wasting hours on end.

London offers a wide variety of activities to do, celebrities to see, and luxury clubs to party at, which makes it a must for any world traveller. The one thing to keep in mind is, to book whatever you can in advance, especially if you’re there for a limited time during a busy season