London area guide
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.
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.
Traveller tips
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
3-hour London Private City Tour
Explore the major landmarks of London with your very own private tour. Starting in Covent Garden, you'll make your way through the heart of the capital taking an in-depth look at various major city...
Buckingham Palace
Steeped in history, Buckingham Palace is a must see for any visitor. As well as being the administrative headquarters of the reigning monarch, the palace has world-famous art and historic treasures as...
St Paul's Cathedral
The world-famous dome of St Paul's Cathedral is an iconic feature of the London skyline. Step inside and enjoy the cathedral's awe-inspiring interior.
The Houses of Parliament
Guy Fawkes once tried to blow up the Houses of Parliament and, whilst you won't find any gunpowder there anymore, it is still home to the UK government and some often explosive discussions between the...
Tower Bridge Exhibition
Enjoy stunning views of London from the high level walkways of Tower Bridge and discover the beautiful River Thames in the Source to Sea exhibition.
Best things to do in London
2-hour London private city tour
Explore the best bits of London but are on a time limit? Take the London highlights tour offered by Sandemans. This two hour whistle-stop tour will be hosted by your own private tour guide, who will...
3-hour London Private City Tour
Explore the major landmarks of London with your very own private tour. Starting in Covent Garden, you'll make your way through the heart of the capital taking an in-depth look at various major city...
Alcotraz – London's speakeasy cocktail bar prison experience
Alcotraz Cell Block Two One Two promises to be one of the most unique cocktail bars in London. Once convicted, inmates are taken into an exciting world of mischief as they are instructed by a...
British Museum Small Group Tour
This 2-hour semi-private tour (8 people max per group) through the British Museum covers all the highlights of the museum including the Rosetta Stone, the Parthenon Marbles, the Easter Island statues...
Brompton Cemetery
Brompton Cemetery is a Grade I listed area in London where over 200,000 people are buried. Many of graves feature incredible memorials, including intricate mausoleums and gothic monuments. It’s also...
Buckingham Palace
Steeped in history, Buckingham Palace is a must see for any visitor. As well as being the administrative headquarters of the reigning monarch, the palace has world-famous art and historic treasures as...
Camley Street Natural Park
London Wildlife Trust’s flagship reserve, it hosts pond-dipping and nature-watching sessions for children and its wood-cabin visitor centre is used by the Wildlife Watch Club.
Colville Place
Colville Place in Fitzrovia is a quirky street in central London that is free to look around. With its row of charming Georgian houses and wide array of potted plants outside, this picturesque...
Cycling in London
Santander Cycles (more commonly known among the locals as Boris Bikes!) is a public bicycle hire scheme in London. Simply use your credit or debit card at a bike docking station to release your bike...
Free tour of London
No other tour covers so many major London landmarks! Have your cameras at the ready as we walk past Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and stroll past Buckingham Palace and St. James’s Palace. On this 3-hour...
Garden Lodge
Garden Lodge is a large mansion in Kensington, West London. Originally built in the early 1900s for artists Cecil Rea and Constance Halford, it is now best known for being the home of legendary...
Gasholder No8 at King's Cross
The iconic guideframe of Gasholder No 8 frames the new park at King's Cross. Set among the landscape for over 150 years, the frame of this now obsolete gasholder has been painstakingly refurbished and...
Go Ape London
Escape it all at Go Ape's London locations with high-rise fun on high rope courses plus exceptional views of London. As well as Go Ape Alexandra Palace, you can choose from locations at Cockfosters...
Guildhall Art Gallery
The Guildhall Art Gallery is an art gallery in the City of London which is free to visit. The gallery contains an extensive collection of world-famous masterpieces and artworks by some of the most...
Hampton Court Palace
Have a royally good time at this stunning location - its amazing history and luxurious rooms will make you feel like a king or queen! Don't miss the gardens and maze outside.
Herts Young Mariners Base
Herts Young Mariners Base is an outdoor activity centre next door to YHA London Lee Valley. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a complete beginner, HYMB has something for everyone. They offer...
Holland Park
Holland Park is the largest park in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea in West London. It’s free to visit and comprises 54 acres full of beautiful gardens, facilities for playing sports...
Hooks Marsh and Sculpture Field self-guided walking route
A lovely walk in the Lee Valley Country Park including waterways, wetlands, sculptures, waterfowl and wildlife.
Horizon 22
Horizon 22 is a viewing platform in London that’s absolutely free to visit! From this platform, on the 58th floor of the second-tallest building in the city, you can get spectacular 300-degree views...
Kensington Gardens
Kensington Gardens is a public park in central London which is free to visit. It was once part of Kensington Palace’s private gardens, and it’s now one of London’s eight Royal Parks. Inside the 265...
Lee Valley Country Park and Waltham Abbey self-guided walking route
A great walk through Lee Valley Country Park with sculptures and birdlife to historic Waltham Abbey.
Lee Valley Park
A hidden gem just waiting to be discovered! Great for sports, heritage sites, country parks, farms and nature reserves. The Lee Valley Park stretches 26 miles, right from the heart of East London and...
Little Chelsea
This vibrant shopping quarter has all the vibe of its namesake. You'll find over 50 indie retailers for fab vintage finds, along with restaurants and cafes to relax in.
London Dungeon
1000 years of London's gory history, 11 actor led shows and two scary rides make for a chilling experience and a great day out.
London Eye
135 meters tall, the London Eye's sleek, modern, totally see through glass pods offer an unrivalled 360-degree view of London and beyond.
London Grim Reaper tour
This 2-hour walking tour begins in the 1400s, a time long before London had an official police force and when tyrants ruled and preyed on the weak. Your local guide will cover many must-see sites and...
London Harry Potter Tour
This 2-hour walking tour covers all of London’s major Harry Potter sites, including the Ministry of Magic, the Leaky Cauldron, scenes from the films and much more! Walk down Diagon Alley, discover the...
London Marathon
The Virgin Money London Marathon is the largest annual fundraising event on the planet. 26.2 miles is the distance our runners are going for young lives. We’d love to have you on our team. Imagine...
London Old City walking tour
Learn about the original London, a mere one square mile beside the river Thames. This 3-hour walking tour includes must-see sites like the Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral, London Bridge and much...
London pub crawl
Enjoy a great night out in London with the SANDEMANs Pub Crawl! London has long been home to legendary parties and we’ve got you sorted with some of the best spots in town! Join us for a night of...
London Street Art Tour
On this two and a half hour walking tour, your local guide will take you further into East London to discover street art, anti-gentrification movements, Cockney culture and more! Away from the palaces...
London Zoo
London Zoo is home to 750 species of animals including lions and lizards, monkeys and meerkats, birds and butterflies.
Ludgate Hill
Ludgate Hill is an historic street running up from Fleet Street to St Paul’s Cathedral in the City of London. It is one of three ancient hills in London and is one of the most recognisable places in...
Madame Tussauds
Rub shoulders with Lady Gaga and the Beckhams, have your photo taken with the Usain Bolt or scream in the Chamber of Horrors. Madame Tussauds London is home to over 150 lifelike figures from...
Millennium Bridge
The Millennium Bridge, officially called the London Millennium Footbridge, is a pedestrian-only bridge spanning the river Thames in London. It links the north bank from St Paul’s Cathedral to the Tate...
Mindfulness social walk from YHA London Central
Thursday 17th September 2026 Distance: 3.3 miles (5.5 km) Duration: 3 hours (90+ minute walk with time at the hostel before and after exploring the mindfulness theme) Led by: Stuart McLeod, RUN-ZEN...
Mindfulness social walk from YHA London Lee Valley
Saturday 26th September 2026 Distance: 3.8 miles (6.1 km) Duration: 3 hours (90+ minute walk with time at the hostel before and after exploring the mindfulness theme) Led by: Stuart McLeod, RUN-ZEN...
Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum in London is one of the best free things to do in the capital. Inside, you’ll find more than 80 million artifacts that tell the history of planet Earth and its inhabitants...
Paddington Street Gardens
Paddington Street Gardens are two public green spaces in central London which are free to visit. They are situated on opposite sides of Paddington Street in the Marylebone area and include a children...
Paternoster Square
Paternoster Square is a square in the City of London, next to St Paul’s Cathedral, and at the heart of the financial district. Visiting is free, and the area is home to a variety of shops, restaurants...
Petrie Museum of Egyptian and Sudanese Archaeology
The Petrie Museum of Egyptian and Sudanese Archaeology, or the Petrie Museum for short, is host to one of the largest collections of Egyptian artefacts in the world. Those interested in history as...
Postman’s Park
Postman’s Park is a beautiful green space in East London that’s free to visit. It’s a tranquil space away from the hustle and bustle of the busy streets of the City of London and is home to a touching...
Ramblers social walk from YHA London Lee Valley
Sunday 20th September 2026 Distance: 9.5 miles (15km) Duration: 5 hours Led by: Stag Walkers Discovery and connection Join us for a varied walk through the Lee Valley Country Park, Waltham Abbey and...
Royal Parks Half Marathon
This stunning central London Half Marathon, takes in some of the capital's world-famous landmarks on closed roads, and four of London's eight Royal Parks - Hyde Park, The Green Park, St James's Park...
SEA LIFE London Aquarium
The Sea Life London Aquarium hosts 1000s of sea creatures in over two million litres of water! Watch sharks swim beneath you, diving displays and interactive feeding.
Shakespeare's Globe Exhibition
Explore the life of Shakespeare, the London where he lived and the theatre for which he wrote. Don't miss the sword-fighting display!
Social walk from YHA London Lee Valley
Sunday 27th September 2026 Distance: 6 miles (9.5km) Duration: 3 hours Led by: Andrew McCloy, YHA Skills and confidence A straightforward and easy walk around the peaceful waterways and tree-lined...
Soho Square Gardens
Soho Square Gardens, or just Soho Square as it’s also known, is a popular public park in central London. Located just behind Oxford Street, in the vibrant Soho area, this green space seems like a...
St Cuthbert’s Church
St Cuthbert’s Church is a beautiful church in West London that’s free to visit. The church offers a programme of worship, as well as community events, and is a parish within the Catholic tradition of...
St Dunstan in the East Church Garden
St Dunstan in the East Church Garden is a green space set in the ruins of a church in East London. This free-to-visit public garden is a tranquil oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the financial...
St George’s Church
St George’s Church in Hanover Square in central London is an Anglican church which dates back to the 1700s. This impressive building is the parish church of Mayfair, and its Corinthian columns make it...
St Lawrence and Mary Magdalene Drinking Fountain
The St Lawrence and Mary Magdalene Drinking Fountain, or St Lawrence Jewry Memorial Drinking Fountain as it’s also known, is a spectacular Victorian drinking fountain near to St Paul’s Cathedral in...
St Paul's Cathedral
The world-famous dome of St Paul's Cathedral is an iconic feature of the London skyline. Step inside and enjoy the cathedral's awe-inspiring interior.
Tate Modern
The Tate Modern is a world-renowned art gallery in central London. Visiting is completely free and you can view a collection of some of the world’s finest modern and contemporary art pieces here.
The Bank of England Museum
The Bank of England Museum is a free museum inside the Bank of England in the City of London. The museum is home to a range of exhibits and collections that tell the story of the history of money and...
The Boltons
The Boltons is one of the most expensive residential streets in London, but you can visit for free! The two crescent sides of this street in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea frame a garden...
The British Museum
The British Museum, located in central London, is one of the world’s most renowned museums. It is home to around eight million objects that tell the story of human history, art, and culture. It is...
The Design Museum
The Design Museum is a free museum in central London. The museum features exhibits on various types of design, including fashion, graphic, and architecture, among others. The exhibitions explore the...
The Harry Potter Shop & Platform 9 3/4
Still waiting for your Hogwarts letter? Don’t worry, you can experience the next best thing at King’s Cross station. Let the wand choose the wizard (or witch) at the Harry Potter shop or take a...
The Head of Invention
The Head of Invention is a large and impressive sculpture of a human head lying on its side outside the Design Museum on Kensington High Street in West London.
Insider tips
You can get the best views of London by climbing up the observatory in Greenwich Park. I also love just strolling along the southbank at night when the lights are shining off the Thames and St Paul's Cathedral is lit up.
Although Borough Market is the most famous, head down the road to Maltby Street Market in Bermondsey for some awesome food under the arches.
I'm loving Brixton Market right now. There are so many places to eat and drink; I feel like you can travel the world without ever getting on a plane. And a lot of places are BYOB (Bring Your Own Beer), so even better!
If you're looking for contemporary art for free, check the tube stations. The tiled artwork in Tottenham Court Road station is my favourite but there are lots more.
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 debit or credit card to get on board.
By bike
Cycling is a great way to get around London and keeps you fit too. The city's bike 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.
Transport in London
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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.
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.
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.
Chelsea
For shopping head to Chelsea, one of London's most well-heeled neighbourhoods with a wealth of shops to suit all tastes. 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 escape.
Popular neighbourhoods
London tipping culture
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.
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!
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 - don't forget a camera!
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 to join them. Catch the symbolic exchanging of the palace keys for a unique London experience.
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. Why not pop along on a Sunday morning and listen to a speaker share their views?
Weather forecast in London
Local 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 some 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.
Popular blog posts about London
Best places to go walking in London in spring
At first glance, it's easy to think the hustle and bustle of the UK's capital city might not seem like the perfect recipe for a charming spring time walk. However, London is home to appealing...
Seven of the best secret gardens to visit in London
London may be known as the Big Smoke but tucked away from busy streets and historic buildings are peaceful green spaces waiting to be discovered.
10 great things to do in London in winter 2025
Ah, winter. The days become shorter and the weather is colder and wetter. But there's plenty to see and do in London this winter...
