Things to do in London
With its diverse array of neighbourhoods, enchanting museums and vibrant food and shopping districts, it’s fair to say there really is no other city quite like London. Here’s our ultimate guide to things to do in London for those in need of a bit of inspiration.
Tips for travellers
Ever wondered where to catch the best London views or find the coolest vintage markets?
Watch our London city hacks video to discover our top 11 tips for travellers who are looking to save money, find unique attractions and free things to do in London, and navigate the city with ease.
Top London landmarks
Best things to do in London
Insider tips
Transport in London
By air
The city is served by several major airports including Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton and Stansted as well as City Airport in London’s historic Docklands. All offer hundreds of daily flights to and from destinations around the world as well as quick transfers to the city via express train, tube, DLR and coach.
By tube
London’s Underground - or the tube as it’s more commonly known - is the quickest and easiest way to get around town. The vast network of trains covers the entire city and the surrounding boroughs with services running from around 5am to just after midnight every day.
By bus
Buses are a great way to get around London and see some of the fabulous sights along the way. They are convenient, cheap and run regularly. You can’t pay for your ticket with cash and will need an Oyster Card, a Travelcard or a contactless payment debit or credit card to get on board.
By bicycle
Cycling is a great way to get around London and keeps you fit too. The city’s bicycle hire scheme is available all year round and has more than 750 docking stations and 11,000 bikes in circulation. There is a small fee to get access to a bike for 24 hours and the first half hour of each journey is free.
Find your perfect London accommodation
Search for a hostel
Popular neighbourhoods
Soho
Soho is a melting pot of culture, clubs, watering holes and restaurants. You’ll find an eclectic mix of tourists, media professionals and older Londoners filling up the bars and, with Chinatown and Old Compton Street at its heart, enjoy fantastic Asian cuisine and some truly unique nightlife.
Nearest hostels: YHA London Central or YHA London Oxford Street
Camden
Camden is the antithesis of genteel Kensington or the transformed Docklands. It breathes old London and fosters a vibrancy which is incredibly unique. Well-known for its creative atmosphere and strong music scene, Camden also boasts one of London’s most popular open air markets and a plethora of live music venues.
Nearest hostel: YHA London Central
Shoreditch
Shoreditch is so cool it almost hurts. Located in the historic East End, the neighbourhood has transformed from rundown industrial dinosaur to a creative hub for music and art. Interactive art galleries jostle for space with converted warehouses and fashionable, urban cafes against a gritty graffiti-covered backdrop.
Nearest hostels: YHA London St Paul's or YHA London Thameside
Chelsea
For shopping head to Chelsea, one of London’s most well-heeled neighbourhoods boasting a wealth of shops to suit all tastes. The Kings Road has everything from cowboy boots and homewares to fashion and food. Nearby Sloane Square is home to pricier, designer shops whilst the Chelsea Physic Garden offers the chance for peaceful repose.
Nearest hostel: YHA London Earl's Court
Tipping in London
Although it is customary to leave 10-15% of the bill when eating out in London, restaurants will often add on a service charge of around 12.5%. Look out for this when you're checking the bill so you avoid tipping twice!
Explore outdoors
London's Little Venice
You might be surprised to discover London’s own network of canals in Little Venice, just a short walk north of Paddington. If you’re after an oasis of calm among the hubbub of the city, take a stroll along the picturesque canal banks and watch the famous canal boats.
Rafting in Lee Valley
Lee Valley White Water Centre is only a short train or car journey from central London and can provide an exhilarating alternative to the usual tourist haunts. The white water centre was used in the 2012 Olympics and offers a variety of activities from kayaking and rafting to hydrospeeding.
Wildlife at Kew Gardens
Transport yourself to some of world’s most exotic wildlife locations by visiting the iconic Kew Gardens. The garden’s glasshouses all have different, carefully controlled climates with a whole host of rare and interesting flora and fauna to marvel at.
Cycle through Hyde Park
London is home to some of Europe’s most stunning parks. Hyde Park is probably the most cycle-friendly in the warmer months so why not hire a bike and take a ride through it? If you find yourself flagging, stop at one of the cafes and tea rooms and refuel with a delicious scone and a cuppa.
Weather
There’s nothing Londoners like better than discussing the weather but contrary to popular belief, London isn’t always rainy and cloudy. When the sun is out London is hot and inviting with Hyde Park or Greenwich Park ideal for a bit of impromptu sunbathing. In winter, London becomes a magical place even the cold can’t touch, with twinkling fairy lights, inviting coffee shops and Hyde Park’s renowned Winter Wonderland running during the colder months.
Weird and wonderful things to do in London
Find a farm in the city
Get up close to farmyard animals, discover how to plant vegetables and learn about living a happier, healthier, eco-friendly life at Hackney City Farm. Some even say the farm is haunted!
Nearest hostel: YHA London Thameside
Climb a London landmark
Greenwich’s O2 Arena is the UK’s leading entertainment venue but did you know you can enjoy a guided climb across its roof? From the 53m high observation platform you can see the Shard, Olympic Park and Canary Wharf - be sure to take a camera!
Nearest hostel: YHA London Thameside
Changing of the guard
Nothing says British pomp and pageantry like the changing of the guard. The old guard form at Buckingham Palace while the new guard marches from its barracks in Birdcage Walk to join them. Catch the symbolic exchanging of the palace keys for a truly unique London experience.
Nearest hostel: YHA London Central
Debates at Speaker's Corner
Speaker’s Corner in Hyde Park has been the site for many public debates and speeches for more than 200 years. Lenin, Marx and George Orwell have all graced the podium so why not pop along on a Sunday morning and listen to a speaker expound their views?
Nearest hostel: YHA London Central
Best budget accommodation in London
We have the best budget accommodation in London near the best attractions, landmarks and locations. YHA has some superb hostels in the city centre, including accommodation in Oxford Street and Earl's Court, so there's a fantastic selection of cheap hostels to choose from if you’re looking to stay central.
View some of our popular London blog posts
10 of the best places to walk in London
Whilst London is famous for its busy streets and energetic buzz, hidden within the city are beautiful gardens and parks where you can escape the hustle and bustle of city life for a breath of fresh air...
Art galleries and museums to visit in London
London is a magical city filled with great food, festivals and of course art and culture. London has some of the finest art galleries and museums in the world and these five are just scratching the surface of what you can find in England’s capital...
Great places off the beaten track in London
Looking for things do in London off the beaten track? Getting the most out of England’s capital, means not only enjoying Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, Big Ben, Tate Modern, St Paul’s Cathedral, but also some hidden gems...