10 Things to Do On Your First Trip to London

London, England, is one of the top vacation destinations for anyone wanting to travel abroad or visit Europe. It has much to offer tourists, from historical sights to modern shows and dining.

Here are the 10 things to do on your first trip to London:

Big Ben Clock Tower
Coca-Cola London Eye
Buckingham Palace
Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre
Tower Bridge
The British Museum
The Shard
Piccadilly Circus
Hyde Park
River Thames

Because there is more than plenty to do, see and eat, it can be hard to figure out where to even start when it comes to planning a trip to London for the first time. If you’re at a loss of what to include on your itinerary, here are at least ten things you should consider doing on your first trip to London!

10 Things You Should Do in London on Your First Trip

1. Big Ben Clock Tower

It’s hard to avoid visiting London’s most famous landmark! Also known as Elizabeth Tower to locals, the Big Ben Clock Tower stands at over 96 meters high. It is known for its enormous bell inside that weighs in at more than 13 tons! You can hear the recognizable bell ring from kilometers away.

And, even if you don’t feel like making the trip up over 700 steps to get to the very top of Big Ben, it’s still a fantastic sight to see from the ground, especially at night when all four of its clock faces are illuminated.

2. Coca-Cola London Eye

If you really want to see London, take a ride on the Coca-Cola London Eye! The London Eye is known as “the world’s tallest cantilevered observation wheel.” (Source: Visit London) Towering over the River Thames near the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, this tall, 135-meter high structure offers visitors who ride in one of its capsules a full, 360-degree view of the city.

During a thirty-minute ride around the wheel, you get to take in all of London’s sights and sceneries from one place—up to 40 kilometers away (on a clear day, of course)!

3. Buckingham Palace

Of course, it wouldn’t really be a trip to London without seeing the Queen’s home—Buckingham Palace! While you can take plenty of pictures outside of the Palace, guests have the opportunity to tour the Palace’s beautifully decorated staterooms, the Throne Room, and more, during the summer (Usually August through September).

4. Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre

For fans of drama and the arts, you cannot pass up visiting the iconic Globe Theatre. A very close reconstruction of Shakespeare’s original Globe Theatre that was built in 1599, this playhouse is home to a variety of showings, from classic Shakespeare dramas and comedies to modern plays.

And before or after you see a play, you can also explore the historical rendition of the Globe during an exhibition tour!

5. Tower Bridge

Not to be confused with its sister bridge, London Bridge, the massive and ornate Tower Bridge stretches across the River Thames and is known for its amazing architecture and views it offers through its high up glass floor.

6. The British Museum

The British Museum is home to a vast collection of historical artifacts spanning across over two million years! From the Rosetta Stone to Egyptian mummies, this museum holds some of the world’s greatest treasures in one place.

7. The Shard

If big views from the London Eye and Tower Bridge weren’t enough, it’s worth also visiting The Shard. Located between London Bridge and Tower Bridge, this 300-meter high modern building allows visitors to see an unobstructed view of the London landscape out to 40 miles out on a clear day!

8. Piccadilly Circus

Before you get too excited, Piccadilly Circus is far from a circus, but certainly worth checking out anyway. Piccadilly Circus more closely resembles what some would call “London’s Time Square,” a junction that connects five different streets together and is the center of all things nightlife.

Piccadilly is a perfect go-to destination for vacationing families because of the range of family-friendly activities available. In fact, if you’re a Harry Potter fan, you may see some familiar places while you’re there…

9. Hyde Park

If some fresh air is what you’re looking for, visit London’s Hyde Park. Spanning over 350 acres, Hyde Park is home to over “4,000 trees, a large lake, a meadow, and ornamental flower gardens.” You’ll easily forget about the city while you’re here!

Uncover the hidden green oases of the city by exploring our guide to London’s secret gardens, revealing tranquil and picturesque spots off the beaten path. Whether you love hiking, swimming, or more, there’s something for any nature-lover to enjoy.

10. River Thames

Because it essentially runs through the center of London, you can’t help but stop to look at the River Thames while you’re there. It’s easy to hop on a river bus down the way to see everything the city has to offer, as this central river serves as the background to many of London’s most popular tourist destinations.

Other London Destinations

Places to Visit in London for Free

If you’re looking for affordable destinations in London, be sure to check out these stops:

Outside Buckingham Palace (Changing of the Guard Ceremony) – That’s right, although the main attraction is Buckingham Palace itself, you can’t miss the Changing of the Guard ceremony that takes place right outside! It’s entirely free even—you’ll only need to worry about making sure you find a good spot with a view to watch before the ceremony begins at 10:45 am.
The British Museum – See a history of the world and its cultures under one roof—for free! Admission is waived for guests of all ages—they only encourage a donation of five pounds in an effort to continue to preserve some of the world’s most magnificent artifacts.
Science Gallery London – The Science Gallery London offers a collection of exhibitions, experiments, and more highlighting the innovative nature of the city. From art to science and health features, the gallery regularly has something new for visitors every week.
Angel Comedy Club – If you want to have some laughs, visit the Angel Comedy Club, which offers free shows every single night.

Of course, if you’re looking to see some of London’s most iconic tourist destinations, it always helps to invest in the London Pass, which allows you access to over 60 of London’s top attractions for free. The pass also gives you free access to London’s bus system as well as discounts on food, shopping, tours, and more.

Historical Things in London

History buff? It’s worth also checking out these historical landmarks and destinations:

London Mithraeum – The London Mithraeum was initially discovered as an ancient Roman temple designed to be a tributary of the River Thames and source of freshwater. Today, this revived piece of history now offers a museum-like experience for visitors to learn more about archaeology and Roman history.
Houses of Parliament – Also known as the “Palace of Westminster,” this location is where both houses of the United Kingdom’s Parliament has resided since after the reign of King Henry VIII.
Highgate Cemetery – Highgate Cemetery serves as the final resting place for many prominent figures throughout history, including the philosopher and political economist Karl Marx.
Westminster Abbey – Built in the 11th century, Westminster Abbey is a unique, medieval structure now used for many royal and national events.
Cabinet War Rooms – A restored bunker underneath London from World War II (1945), this is where Winston Churchill and his war cabinet and government worked during the war.
London Roman Wall – Built around 190 and 220 AD, this three-mile wall served as a form of defense that protected the ancient Roman city of Londinium.

Museums in London

If you feel like taking in London’s history or art collections in one setting, stop by any of London’s popular museums:

Natural History Museum – From dinosaur skeletons to a giant blue whale specimen, find a range of exciting exhibits at the Natural History Museum.
The National Gallery – The National Gallery has over 2,000 paintings across history, from the Middle Ages to the 20th century.
Museum of London – Learn more about London’s history at the Museum of London, where you can follow the evolution of the capital dating as far back as prehistoric times.
Imperial War Museum – Explore the history of worldwide conflicts, from World War I and II to the Holocaust.
British Library – While not exactly a museum, the British Library is home to some of the world’s most significant literary treasures, including the Magna Carta and Shakespeare’s First Folio.

Unusual Places to Visit in London

If you want to have a unique tourist experience in London, try visiting any of these locations:

Sherling Backstage Walkway – A free experience, take a stroll to the National Theatre’s Sherling Backstage Walkway, where you can see people working on set productions before they hit the stage.
God’s Own Junkyard – This attraction features an extensive. collection of neon signs and other bright art pieces from all around the world.
London Street Art – As you walk around the city, check out some of London’s urban art. Some of the art you will find is by famous (or notorious) street artist, Banksy, in addition to other undiscovered artists.
Victoria & Albert Museum of Childhood – Become a kid again when you visit the V&A Museum of Childhood! Here you can explore an entire collection of children’s toys, games, figurines, and more from the 1600s to the present day.

London Destinations for Short Visits

If you don’t plan on being in London for too long (maybe you’re traveling for work or docking for one day from a cruise), there are still plenty of places you can visit to take in the full London experience while you’re there! Here are some things you can see in London in under three days:

Day 1: Westminster

Westminster is the center of all things geographical, cultural, and political in London. Here, you can take a day to explore some of the most iconic buildings in the city, including Buckingham Palace, Palace of Westminster (Houses of Parliament), and Westminster Abbey.

Day 2: City of London & Southwark

Ancient Romans referred to this part of London as “Londinium,” and as the history of this area suggests, here you will find some of the capital’s oldest landmarks, including the Tower of London, Shakespeare’s Globe, and Borough Market.

Day 3: Kensington & Windsor Castle

Now that you’ve seen the big highlights London has to offer, your third day there can be reserved for exploring local life, from walking through popular London neighborhoods to seeing local performances. Discover some of the local attractions, including the 17th century home, Kensington Palace, Kensington Gardens, Royal Albert Hall, and Windsor Castle.

Getting Ready to Visit London

Ready to plan your first trip to London? Here are some tips to ensure that you have the best experience:

1. Booking Plane Tickets

When it comes to planning vacations, it’s especially important to make sure that you get your plane tickets early, especially for international flights. If not, you’re in for a long, frustrating travel experience!

But where do you even start? Start by asking yourself the following questions:

When is the best time of year to travel to London? Do you prefer to travel during the summer or winter? Do you plan on seeing family for the holidays? Timing is an important factor when it comes to booking your tickets.
- An ideal time to visit London is around March through May, when the temperatures are more tolerable; however, the spring and summer is peak tourist season, so the prices for flights are usually much higher during this time of year.
- You’ll also want to be careful when booking flights around the holiday season as London is a very popular place to be during this time.
How long do I want to stay in London? Are you traveling for work or pleasure? Alone or with family? Think about how many days you would like to spend in London based on these factors and choose a hotel best for your needs and travel plans.
- Determine how long you want to stay in London during your trip. If you’re traveling there for work, you may only have as little as two or three days to really explore the city and will need to plan accordingly.
- However, if you’re planning a vacation, it’s ideal for planning at least five days to a week to give you enough time to see the city without being too overwhelmed by a packed itinerary.
- When picking a hotel, it is recommended to choose one located in central London that provides easy access to most of London’s popular destinations.
What airlines should I choose? Do you have a membership with a specific airline? Do you want to use frequent flyer miles or points that you’ve accumulated through a credit card?
- Research international airlines carefully and make sure you pick one you would be most comfortable flying with based on previous flying experiences and recommendations. If you’re not sure where to start, explore travel websites such as Expedia or Travelocity to see the options available for the time of year you would like to travel.
Where can I get the cheapest flights? What does your budget for a trip to London look like? Are you okay with sacrificing flight amenities, or would you rather splurge to fly in greater comfort? Look at travel sites such as Expedia or Travelocity to compare rates.

(For more information on how to travel to Europe for cheap, check out this article!)

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2. Organizing Your Stay

Make sure you create an itinerary before you leave for London! If you’re organized and know exactly where you want to go while you’re there, you’ll have a much more relaxed travel experience.

3. Packing

Try to pack light if you can; many airlines charge extra for more check-in bags and even charge for carry-ons, so you’ll want to learn how to travel lite to save more money!

Also, make sure you at least pack the following items to ensure you’re prepared for your stay:

Windproof Umbrella – The UK is known for its frequent drizzles; make sure you’re ready for any weather by bringing along an umbrella.
Passport Pouch – You can’t get back home without it, so make sure you keep your passport in a safe place along with your credit cards and phone.
Universal Power Adapter – US power cords and UK outlets are not compatible, so if you plan on keeping your electronics charged, make sure to invest in a Universal Power Adapter (Amazon) to avoid any frying!
Portable Charger – If you’re out on the town exploring and taking pictures with your phone, the last thing you’ll want is the phone to die; bring along a reliable portable charger.
Activated Charcoal – Eating new types of foods from a completely new place can easily upset stomachs and put a damper on your trip; bring along activated charcoal tablets to help calm your digestive tract.
Travel Insurance – Even if you don’t expect to experience any problems while you’re in London, it’s always best to prepare for the worst. A good travel insurance plan will help cover an emergency trip home, any medical issues you have while traveling, theft, and more.

4. Have Fun!

Finally, get ready to have plenty of fun while you’re in London! Whether you’re following your personal wanderlust or want to get away with loved ones, this fantastic city has everything for anyone to enjoy. Check out cheap flights to London for more things to do, places to stay, affordable flights, and more!