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10 Unforgettable things to do in London in 2026
Explore the 10 top things to do in London, from traditional tea and pub experience to exploring museums and more while staying connected with Holafly
London is a city that blends over 2,000 years of history with modernity. With financial hubs, green spaces in over 40% of the city, and lively neighbourhoods, the United Kingdom’s capital is a must-visit place in Europe.
You can kick off your visit by visiting the Tower of London, the London Eye, Hyde Park, or Kensington Gardens, but there are more things to do in London than this.
And, to make your trip easier, we tell you how the Holafly eSIM for London City can be your perfect companion. Booking, uploading photos, and finding addresses, you won’t have to worry at all during your trip to London.
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Join over 10 million Holafly customers and get connected with our trusted, global services.
1. Explore the Tower of London and Crown Jewels
Visiting a UNESCO World Heritage Site that holds over 1,000 years of royal history is one of the best things to do in London and a great way to start your London adventure.
Start by visiting the Crown Jewels Exhibition, including the Imperial State Crown and coronation regalia. Then, you can hop to the White Tower and the medieval Royal Armoury.
Thinking about how to make it better? Take advantage of the Yeoman Warders’ guided tours; you’ll hear fascinating stories about the Tower.
- How to get there: Tube to Tower Hill (District/Circle lines)
- Ticket cost: £34.80 adults
- Time needed: 3-4 hours minimum
- Best time: Weekday mornings (opens at 9 AM) or after 2 PM
- Yeoman Warder tours: Every 30 minutes, last tour 2:30 PM
| A closer look: The Ravenmaster is one of the Yeoman Warders at the Tower of London and is responsible for the care and well-being of the Tower’s resident ravens. At least six ravens are kept at the Tower at all times, because of the legend that if they leave, the Crown — and Britain — will fall. |
2. Visit the British Museum
One of the best London activities is visiting the British Museum. It’s totally free and houses over 8 million objects related to human history, from Egyptian mummies to Greek Parthenon sculptures.
The British Museum showcases remarkable collections such as the Sutton Hoo ship burial and extensive galleries dedicated to the Islamic world. Throughout the year, rotating special exhibitions — including past highlights like Hawai‘i: a kingdom crossing oceans and Samurai — offer deeper thematic insights and require advance tickets.
- How to get there: Tube to Tottenham Court Road or Russell Square
- Entry fee: Free – Special exhibitions are sold separately
- Time needed: 3 to 4 hours
- Best time: Weekday mornings, late afternoons
- What to see: Room 4 (Rosetta Stone), Room 18 (Parthenon sculptures), Egyptian mummies
| A closer look: The Rosetta Stone, discovered in 1799, became the key to deciphering ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs. Without it, much of what we know about ancient Egypt would still be unreadable today. |
3. Ride the London Eye at sunset
Up for a sky-high adventure? Then add the London Eye to your schedule. Europe’s tallest observation wheel is the perfect place to watch London from 135 meters.
The London Eye rotates every 30 minutes, allowing travelers to view the Big Ben, St Paul’s, Buckingham Palace, and Westminster from a unique perspective, especially on sunset rides.
Feel like enjoying a romantic ride? You can upgrade your ticket and add some champagne for your 30-minute ride to enjoy the sunset with your loved one.
- How to get there: Tube to Waterloo or Westminster
- Ticket cost: £33-48, online bookings include discounts
- Time needed: 1 to 2 hours, including queue
- Best time: Book sunset times, but check sunset seasonality too
| A closer look: The London Eye was originally built as a temporary installation to celebrate the year 2000. Its popularity was so overwhelming that it became a permanent feature of London’s skyline. |
4. Experience afternoon tea
If you’re a tea lover, London is the place for you. Tea tradition is part of London’s story, and you can add warm scones with clotted cream, pastries, or finger sandwiches if you’re feeling a bit hungry.
For a complete experience, consider visiting iconic tea venues, such as Fortnum & Mason, Claridge’s, and The Ritz. You can also opt for budget-friendly options, such as department stores and cafés, that’s up to you!
Lastly, keep in mind this is a centuries-old tradition, so learn the basics, like how to hold a teacup or what goes first on your scones.
- Cost range: £20-30 (casual cafés) to £60-80+ (luxury hotels)
- Best traditional: Fortnum & Mason (£60-75), The Ritz (£75-90)
- Budget options: Biscuiteers, Brigit’s Bakery (£25-35)
- Time needed: 1:30 to 2 hours
- Book ahead: Essential for popular venues, such as The Ritz
| A closer look: Traditional afternoon tea follows a specific order: finger sandwiches first, then scones with clotted cream and jam, and finally pastries. And yes — in London, cream typically goes on the scone before the jam. |
5. Wander through Borough Market
If you’re looking for the perfect place to eat in London, the Borough Market is your must-visit spot.
The Borough Market is London’s oldest food market, where you can find gourmet stalls and street food with dishes from Ethiopia, Spain, India, and many others. Borough is also the perfect place to buy fresh cheese, meat, and baked goods.
You can also visit nearby attractions, such as Shakespeare’s Globe and Southwark Cathedral, after enjoying a delicious meal.
- How to get there: Tube to London Bridge
- Opening hours: Wednesday and Thursday from 10 AM to 5 PM, Friday from 10 AM to 6 PM, Saturday from 8 AM to 5 PM – Closed from Sunday to Tuesday
- Cost: £5 to £15 for a street food meal, over £20 on a gourmet stall
- Time needed: 1-2 hours
| A closer look: Does this market feel different? Unlike many modern food halls, Borough Market remains a working wholesale market in the early mornings before opening fully to the public. |
6. See a West End theatre show
A list of what to do in London isn’t complete without visiting the London Theatre District, which easily rivals Broadway with world-class musicals, plays, and performances in locally historic venues.
As a recommendation from our local Holaflyer, Manhoor Bangush, take your time to visit the West End and see a show. Her recommendations are Les Misérables, The Lion King, and The Phantom of the Opera.
Aside from shows, you can enjoy the history and architecture of local theaters and grab dinner at Covent Garden or Soho before the show.
- Where: Theatreland (Covent Garden, Leicester Square, Shaftesbury Avenue)
- Ticket cost: £20-150 depending on show/seats
- TKTS booth: Up to 50% off same-day tickets – Located in Leicester Square, opens at 10 AM
- Time needed: 2 to 3 hours for the show, including dinner
- Book ahead: Popular shows sell out weeks in advance
| A closer look: The Mousetrap by Agatha Christie has been running in London’s West End since 1952, making it the world’s longest-running play. |
7. Take a free walking tour
Exploring London with a local is a great way to really get to know the city’s history while revealing hidden stories, gems, and secrets only locals know.
These walking tours are available East End, Westminster, West End, and other popular London districts. Also, you could ask for a guided themed tour to learn more about Harry Potter, Royal London, Street Art, or the infamous Jack the Ripper.
Companies like London Walks, Living London History, and GuruWalk offer these free tours, and it’s better to book them in advance. Also, a tip of £10 to £15 is common, so take some cash with you.
- Popular routes: Westminster to Trafalgar Square, City of London, Camden/Shoreditch
- Duration: 2 to 3 hours
- Cost: Free, but a tip of £10 to £15 is expected
- Book: Online reservation recommended, but walk-ups usually accepted
| A closer look: Westminster tours focus on monarchy and government, while East End routes explore immigration, industry, and social change. The perspective shifts dramatically depending on which side of the city you walk. Even if you take more than one, your experience could be different each time. |
8. Stroll through Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens
London’s largest central park offers 350 hectares of green space, where boat rentals, swimming, walking, and an afternoon picnic are great ideas for visitors.
At Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, you can rent a boat for a ride on Serpentine Lake, visit the Kensington Palace and Gardens, and do a unique thing to do in London: visit the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain.
- How to get there: Multiple tube stops – Lancaster Gate to Hyde Park Corner and then to Marble Arch)
- Entry fee: Free
- Boat rental: £6.90 to £10.50 for 30 minutes to 1 hour
- Time needed: 1 to 3 hours for a leisurely walk
- Worth visiting: Kensington Palace visit (£20.60), Serpentine Gallery (free)
| A closer look: Established under the Royal Parks Act of 1872, Speaker’s Corner in Hyde Park became one of the few places in Britain where open-air political speech was formally tolerated. Over the decades, it has hosted activists, suffragettes, socialists, religious preachers, and everyday citizens exercising the right to speak publicly. |
9. Explore Notting Hill and Portobello Road Market
Located in West London, Notting Hill and the Portobello Road Market await visitors with colorful pastel houses, antique markets, and charming cafés.
Portobello Road Market is best known for its antiques — particularly on Saturdays — alongside vintage clothing, handmade crafts, and global street food. While the 1999 film Notting Hill brought international attention to the neighborhood, the area’s charm extends far beyond its cinematic fame.
- How to get there: Tube to Notting Hill Gate or Ladbroke Grove
- Market days: Antiques Saturday from 9 AM to 6 PM (busiest/best), smaller markets on weekdays
- Entry fee: Free
- Time needed: 2-3 hours
- Best for: Saturday morning walks, vintage shopping, brunch spots
| A closer look: Our London-resident Holaflyer, Mahnoor Bangush says “Notting Hill Carnival is exciting and one of Europe’s largest Caribbean carnivals — a must-do if visiting London in the summer.” |
10. Visit a traditional London pub
A fun thing to do in London is to live the traditional pub experience by visiting centuries-old pubs. You can either get a pint or try the traditional fish and chips while watching a Tottenham, Chelsea, or Arsenal match.
Historical pubs such as Ye Olde Chesire Cheese and The Churchill Arms are worth visiting, and remember: order at the bar and no tipping on drinks; this is pub culture and etiquette in England.
Also, give a try to the different types of beers you’ll find. Real ale offers fruity flavors, while lagers have a longer-matured, clean taste; the choice is yours!
- Cost: £6-8 per pint, £15-20 for Sunday roast (Roast meat, potatoes, and gravy)
- Best areas: Covent Garden, Borough, Shoreditch
| A closer look: “Real ale” refers to beer that continues to ferment in the cask and is served without added carbonation — a traditional brewing method still widely celebrated in British pub culture. |
Bonus experiences when visiting London
Spending more time in London and looking for some bonus experiences? Here are some handpicked things to do from our London-resident, Mahnoor Bangush:
- Take a day trip from London to Brighton to explore the beautiful coastline during summertime
- Explore Oxford if you want to live out your Downton Abbey and Bridgerton dreams with the scenic countryside and large estates
- Take a trip to Manchester. Rumour says that it has a “more open personality” than London, has many highlights, and it’s more affordable!
- Aside from Portobello Market, take your time to visit Camden Market and Old Spitalfields Market; best spots for buying local handmade items, too!
- Alexandra Palace has great views, offers ice skating sessions in winter, and it’s a romantic spot to visit in London
- Richmond is an ideal place for a Civil War-themed visit, with the American Civil War Museum, the White House of the Confederacy, and St. John’s Church as iconic landmarks.
- Take your time to do the Seven Sisters hike. Feels like a place plucked from a painting, with incredible views. Also, a tip from Manhoor, it’s better to hike with warmer weather, as winds can make it pretty cold.
Stay connected in London with Holafly
One thing every London travel guide needs to include is how to get mobile internet during your trip.
Data is essential for things like finding pubs, restaurants, booking museum tickets, and Tube navigation, so it’s something you’ll use on a daily basis, and you don’t want to face roaming charges.
That said, the Holafly eSIM for London City is your best ally. You get unlimited data, 24/7 customer support, high-speed internet, and up to 1 GB of hotspot data per day.
Pricing ranges from $3.90 for a day and costs as little as $1.55 for a long-term trip. Also, if you’re planning an Eurotrip, then you can choose the Holafly eSIM for Europe instead, as it covers over 30 countries and has the same price and benefits!
An eSIM you can rely on
Join over 10 million Holafly customers and get connected with our trusted, global services.
Frequently Asked Questions
3 to 4 days are enough for the top things to do in London, such as visiting museums, palaces, and markets. 5 to 7 days are ideal for a theatre show, visiting local neighborhoods, or taking a day trip from London. 8 to 14 days allow exploring London and its highlights at a slower pace.
Yes, London is one of Europe’s priciest cities. A budget trip ranges from £80 to £120 per day for staying in hostels, visiting free museums, and eating street food. Mid range trip ranges from £150 to £250 per day for staying in hotel, restaurant meals, London Tube, and restaurant meals. Luxury trips go from £300 onwards.
May to June or September to October for mild weather and fewer crowds. July to August are the warmest months, but more expensive as it’s high season. December is great for Christmas markets, but colder than other months.
Getting a tourist card for London isn’t really necessary, but these help if you don’t have a contactless card or plan to buy paper tickets, as these are more expensive.
London is very safe overall, but as general tips: watch your belongings on the Tube and touristy areas to avoid pickpocketing. Also, stay in well-lit areas at night and avoid unsafe neighbourhoods during your trip.
This depends on your budget and priorities. Westminster and Covent Garden are ideal for tourist sights, but are more expensive. South Bank, Shoreditch, Notting Hill, and King’s Cross are ideal for lower prices, and they all have tourist attractions to explore.
Yes, tap water is safe in London. Carry a reusable water bottle to use the water fountains and help reduce waste. If needed, you can request tap water from restaurants for free, but clarify that it’s tap water!
Plans that may interest you
I first started my content creation journey as a freelancer in 2019, before connecting with Holafly in 2021. At Holafly, my travel and tech interests come together in one place as I craft high-quality articles about the eSIM and related markets. My content aims to help travelers stay connected, wherever they are.
