A first-timer’s guide to London: 22 Best things to do, see, and eat

If you’re wondering what to do for your first time in London, I am here to help you with some tips and to avoid the mistakes I made!

I’ve been to London twice. The first time was with my husband, Cecilio, in 2019; we spent a few days in London before making our way to Paris. We stayed at an Airbnb in Croydon, which we deeply regretted. Croydon is a borough 50 minutes south of London, and we lost so many hours commuting, which could’ve been spent getting lost in the city or sightseeing.

I went to London for the second time on a solo trip in 2024, and stayed in Notting Hill. I had a much better time because I was closer to everything and had access to the Notting Hill Gate Station across the street.

In this guide, I will share all the best things to do, see, and eat in London, whether it’s your first time or you’re revisiting and wanting to explore deeper.

This guide also gets updated frequently to reflect any changes in attractions, accommodations, transportation, and dining options.

🇬🇧💂 If you want a completely customized London itinerary with extra hotel perks, I can help you out!

Disclaimer: This post uses affiliate links, which means I make a commission if you book through this post. If you do decide to book using my links, thank you so much for your support!

Best Things to do in London for First-Timers

1. Hang and stroll in Hyde Park

Looking for a fun, free thing to do in London to enjoy nature? Head to Hyde Park!

Cecilio and I took a bus from Victoria Station to explore Hyde Park. It is 350 acres and half the size of NYC’s Central Park, but it still takes a while to walk around.

f you have enough time, walk all the way to the other side of the park to see Princess Diana’s memorial. I wanted to visit it, but we were on a time crunch since we wanted to stop by Harrods, and we had the London Eye scheduled for 5:00.

We got to walk by The Serpentine, the 40-acre manmade lake, and see a lot of ducks, swans, and geese. We even saw some people boating! (Which I wanted to do too, but we were crunched for time).

Hyde Park is one of the most gorgeous parks I have ever visited, with perfectly manicured gardens and pathways perfect for biking and walking. It is also the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of the streets and underground stations.

2. Go on the London Eye for Epic Views of the City

Cheesy as it may sound, I recommend riding the London Eye at least once.

After walking around Harrods, Cecilio and I took a few stations down to the London Eye, the observation Ferris wheel that takes 30 minutes to ride in and gives you a 360° view of London and River Thames.

I purchased the tickets online in advance and opted for the Champagne Experience, one of the VIP Experiences. With the Champagne Experience, you have your own personal host along with a small group and the ability to skip the line (or queue, as the Brits call it). Your host will also offer a glass of chilled champagne while explaining the sights to you as you rise to the top.

We got to see attractions we didn’t get to visit such as The Shard, House of Parliament, Big Ben, and Palace of Westminster.

Other London Eye Tickets and Tours

• London Eye Standard Ticket
• London Eye Fast Track Ticket
• London Eye Standard Ticket + River Thames Cruise

3. Cruise down the River Thames

Another thing to put on your London bucket list? Sail down the River Thames, where you can take in iconic attractions like Big Ben, London Eye, The Shard, and Tower Bridge. If you can go on an evening dinner cruise when the sun sets, you’ll get some stunning photos during Golden Hour!

Consider booking any of the following river cruises for your London trip:

• River Thames Evening Cruise
• Westminster to Greenwich Sightseeing River Thames Cruise
• Dinner Cruise on River Thames
• Afternoon Tea River Thames Cruise

3. Get a mini photoshoot in front of the Big Ben

Honestly, no trip to London is complete without getting that souvenir shot in front of the Big Ben, one of the city’s most iconic spots (bonus points if there’s a red double-decker bus in the background).

When Cecilio and I went in 2019, it was under construction and was covered under ugly scaffolding. But when I took the solo trip back in 2024, it was back in its full glory, and I found a good spot for photos and had a stranger snap a few for me.

I would NOT recommend using a tripod. London is notorious for phone thefts. Just don’t do it. Plus, I was in Lisbon prior and had my purse stolen at Miradouro de Santa Luzia, and while I got it back, I was shaken. It was a whole ordeal because my passport was in my purse, but thankfully, the thief left it.

So I would either recommend asking a stranger to take your photo (at your own risk, because they could still run away with your phone) or hiring a professional photographer to take stunning shots of you in London’s most famous attractions as a keepsake.

Here are photoshoots you can book from some of London’s talented photographers:

• London: Private Landmarks with a Professional Photographer
• Professional Private Couple Photoshoot
• London Landmarks Photoshoot with Professional Photographer

4. Explore the mews and colorful houses of Notting Hill

Notting Hill is one of London’s wealthier neighborhoods (with a few celebrities residing there), but it’s not pretentious or stuffy.

Instead, it’s a vibrant area with cafes, pubs, and fantastic restaurants, and a vibrant arts scene. Be sure to stop by the famous Notting Hill Bookshop and the Blue Door, both of which are featured in the movie, Notting Hill. And you can catch a movie at Electric Cinema, which has Baroque-inspired interiors that make you feel like you’re watching an opera.

For three days, Notting Hill Carnival takes place every year in August to celebrate the British Caribbean heritage.

Notting Hill’s biggest draw is the Portobello Road Market, which takes place everyday but comes alive on the weekend, with hundreds of vendors selling vintage clothing, vinyl records, and artwork. There are also vendors selling different kinds of food such as fresh bread and pastries, produce, and street food.

5. Hop around Harrods for Shopping (or Window Shopping)

After strolling around Hyde Park, we walked over to Harrods. Harrods is London’s luxury department store, like Saks 5th Avenue in NYC or Galeries Lafayette in Paris.

All of the clothes and furniture are just oozing with opulence, and the price tags seem to be out of reach for most people.

There was no way most of us could afford much other than the food or the gifts (although I saw some people get personal styling services). It is a fun window-shopping experience though!

If you got one thing from Harrods, I personally recommend getting any Harrods bear souvenir, whether it’s a plush or a keychain. The bear is Harrods’ mascot, and they come in different outfits like guardsmen, greenmen, beefeaters, and Union Jack sweaters.

I was deadset on getting the teddy bears, but I was getting a little hungry so we passed by the food hall to get some food to tide us over: I got a quiche and Cecilio got a scotch egg.

Unfortunately, there was no place to sit down and eat, but we ate our food right before heading to the London Eye. We did finally make it to the gift shop to get the Guardsman and Greenman teddy bears and a double-decker bus magnet.

6. Walk in and around Westminster Abbey

On our last day, we decided to go to more attractions. Our original plan for our first day in London was to go to Westminster Abbey for free to go to a church service but that didn’t happen. We also didn’t want to be bound by a specific time so we decided to just go inside the attraction as a visitor instead.

The cathedral was ornate and I loved seeing the work and craftsmanship it took for the building to come to life (that’s one of my favorite parts about traveling: seeing the attractions I learned about through art history classes).

We couldn’t take photos inside (but I accidentally took a few snaps, oops!). We got to walk where Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge wed. We saw many burial sites for the monarchs. We even witnessed nonroyal sites such as Charles Darwin and Sir Isaac Newton.

Here are the prices for admission to Westminster Abbey (which also includes an audio guide):

• Adults: £29 ($37 USD)
• Seniors (ages 65+) and students: £26 ($33 USD)
• Children (ages 6–17): £13 ($17)
• Children (ages 5 and under): Free
• Families (1 adult and 1 child): £29 ($37 USD)

7. Explore Buckingham Palace, Home of the Royals

Now, I’m not a royalist. I am forever Team Harry & Meghan. But you can’t deny the significance of Buckingham Palace, the home of His Majesty the King. Buckingham Palace has been the official residence of the British Royal Family since 1837.

While most rooms are closed to the public, access to the State Rooms is open during the summer. The ticket comes with an audio guide.

For free, you can watch the Changing of the Guards in front of Buckingham Palace on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10:45 am, which lasts around 45 minutes. Just make sure to come early for the best views!

BOOK BUCKINGHAM PALACE TICKETS

8. Eat, shop, and entertain your way around Covent Garden

What used to be a small, humble garden as a part of Westminster Abbey is now a buzzing square in London’s West End.

Covent Garden comprises the following:

• The Piazza, where street performers entertain the crowds daily
• Apple Market, the main building, is lined with vendors selling arts and crafts. There are also gift shops and restaurants inside
• London Transport Museum, a fun, interactive museum where you can learn about London’s public transportation modes (including the double-decker buses and tube). It’s perfect for families with young children! You can purchase tickets here
• Royal Opera House, where you can watch opera and ballet performances
• Seven Dials, a neighborhood with a sundial monument crossing seven streets. They have an amazing food market!
• Neal’s Yard, a colorful courtyard filled with restaurants, indie cafes, and shops

During the fall and winter, Covent Garden comes alive with its Christmas Market. You’ll see bells and ornaments (weighing up to 11,000 pounds!) hang from the Apple Market ceiling, a 60-foot Christmas tree in the piazza that was handpicked from the Midlands, a vintage sleigh from 1184 that you can take photos in, daily snow “showers”, and stalls selling mulled wine and festive cocktails on every corner. You can even go on a Christmas lights tour starting in Covent Garden (with mulled wine included) and stroll through the twinkling lights of West End!

9. Try tasty Asian food at Chinatown

Just a few blocks away from Covent Garden, Chinatown is the lively Soho district filled with red lanterns, ornate Chinese gates (known as paifangs), and delicious Asian eateries. I was surprised to see how polished and clean it was compared to San Francisco’s Chinatown!

Centered on Gerrard Street, Chinatown is best known for its incredible food scene, not just Chinese cuisine but also Japanese, Korean, Malaysian, Taiwanese, and Vietnamese. You’ll find a mix of high-end restaurants and street food stalls, along with tea shops. I was also surprised to see Happy Lemon, since we have it in the US.

You’ll also find Asian supermarkets stocked with yummy snacks and teas, and ingredients and K-beauty shops.

Consider taking a food tour in Soho, which includes a stop in Chinatown, where you can taste delicious dim sum served with piping hot tea.

10. Shop til you drop on Oxford Street

With London being a world-class city and a fashion hub, it’s no surprise that there are opportunities to shop for clothes, gifts, souvenirs, makeup, bags, shoes, and skincare.

Case in point: Harrods, like I mentioned earlier. But it’s so expensive, and I only went there to get the bear souvenirs.

Oxford Street, also located in West End, is London’s biggest shopping street (and one of the busiest ones in Europe). Since Oxford Street attracts 300,000 visitors daily, it deals with a lot of traffic congestion. It spans 2k (1.2 miles) from Marble Arch to Tottenham Court Road and Oxford Circus.

You’ll find a mix of luxury department stores like Selfridges and affordable shops like Primark.

Primark on Oxford Street is the flagship location, with three floors filled with clothing and accessories for women, men, and children. I’ve been to this location both times in London, and I loved the clothes I purchased without breaking the bank (and I still wear them to this day).

Beyond shopping, Oxford Street has the prettiest Christmas lights that twinkle starting in early November.

11. Channel your inner wizard or witch in the Harry Potter Studio

Calling all Harry Potter fans! You’ve got to visit the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in Leavesden, located an hour northwest of Central London.

This is the very studio where all eight films were created. You can step onto the real sets, see original costumes and props, and discover how the wizarding world was brought to life.

You can wander through the Great Hall, stroll down Diagon Alley, board the Hogwarts Express, and marvel at the breathtaking scale model of Hogwarts Castle.

The experience is self-guided and takes around 3–4 hours inside, though with travel time from London, you’ll want to allow most of the day.

Tickets must be booked in advance and often sell out. To make your trek to Hogwarts a breeze, consider taking a guided tour that includes the entry ticket and transportation. Book any of the following tours:

• Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour with Transport from London
• The Making of Harry Potter and Oxford Day Trip
• Harry Potter Studio Tickets and London Film Locations Guided Tour

12. Bust into the British Museum

Visiting the British Museum is one of the top things to do in London. It’s also free, a breath of fresh air considering how much Cecilio and I spent during our first time (not including Stonehenge, Bath, and Paris). You can give a donation; Cecilio handed the staff a £10 bill upon entering.

The British Museum has artifacts from all over the world, from ancient civilizations to today.

I was shocked to see artifacts from the Parthenon in Athens displayed in its area in the museum. The Greek government has requested in the past few decades that the British Museum remove all of the artifacts from the Parthenon. Still, the museum argues that displaying them shares a piece of Athenian history with millions of visitors around the world.

Within the context of this unparalleled collection, the Parthenon sculptures are an important representation of the culture of ancient Athens. Millions of visitors from around the world admire the beauty of the sculptures each year – free of charge. They also gain insights into how ancient Greece influenced and was influenced by the other civilisations it encountered.

The Acropolis Museum allows the Parthenon sculptures in Athens to be appreciated against the backdrop of ancient Greek and Athenian history. This display does not alter the view of the Trustees of the British Museum that the sculptures are part of everyone’s shared heritage and transcend cultural boundaries. The Trustees remain convinced that the current locations of the Parthenon sculptures allows different and complementary stories to be told about the surviving sculptures, highlighting their significance for world culture and affirming the universal legacy of ancient Greece. More about the Parthenon and its history can be found at theacropolismuseum.gr

From the British Museum

What to eat in London

13. Oysters and cheese in Borough Market

Borough Market is a foodie’s dream, and is known as the oldest and largest food market in London (they are about 1,000 years old!). There are over a hundred stalls, restaurants, cafes, and bars sprawling across the market.

If you love oysters, you’re going to adore Borough Market, with its two oyster bars and a sit-down restaurant serving these babies.

I ordered four oysters and a glass of rosé from Richard Haward Oysters, which comes with a lemon to squeeze. There are a handful of standing tables, and each of them has a variety of hot sauces to add extra flavors.

I personally prefer Borough Market to Camden Market, since there are a lot more food options and it’s closer to the city center.

14. Tapas from Parillan in Borough Yards

Around the corner from Borough Market, there is a newer hall with more restaurants and shops. This is Borough Yards, and it was revived from old railway arches.

If you had to pick one place to eat in Borough Yards, I recommend dining at Parillan, a Spanish sit-down restaurant that serves tapas, pintxos, and wine. They have a gorgeous outdoor terrace with twinkling lights overhead, and it’s heated for those chillier days.

The dishes are cooked by an apple and olive wood-fired stove and oven.

Dishes in Parillan’s menu include marcona almonds, olives, Iberico ham, pimientos, and an assortment of cheeses.

If you love finger foods and tapas, which are the ultimate girl dinner, be sure to stop at Parillan!

14. Humble Crumble for cake crumbles in ice cream cups

Have a sweet tooth? Head over to Humble Crumble, one of London’s more popular dessert shops (I saw a long line outside their Covent Garden location!).

At first glance, you might mistake it for an ice cream shop since it’s served in a classic wide ice cream cup. But that couldn’t be further from the case! The founder sat outside an ice cream parlor on a dreary day, wondering what kind of dessert would draw customers in when the temperatures were colder than ideal.

She then concocted her cake crumble recipe made of vanilla custard, and offered toppings such as cinnamon apple, berries, trifle, shortbread crumbles, creme brulee topping, and granola. There are also vegan topping alternatives!

And if you’re still craving a cold sweet treat, don’t worry, Humble Crumble also serves frozen custard.

You can find Humble Crumble at the following locations:

• Covent Garden
• Camden Market
• Borough Market
• Old Spitalfields Market
• Bicester Village

15. Portuguese pastel de natas at Cafe de Nata (with a twist)

Before I landed in London during my second time, I ate my weight in pastel de natas in Lisbon, every day (I’m not kidding). I guess I didn’t get sick of them when I found Cafe de Nata in Soho and ordered another one of those bad boys.

While Cafe de Nata offers the classic pastel de nata on its own, they also have other selections with fruit, chocolate, and extra cinnamon. I don’t think you’d be able to find that in Lisbon!

I will say that they taste just as good as the ones in Lisbon, with its soft, flaky crust and creamy filling, which they hand make everyday (nothing is frozen).

16. Cheese from a conveyor belt at Seven Dials Market

You’ve heard of conveyor belt sushi restaurants in Japan, but have you heard of conveyor belt cheese? Pick & Cheese, located in Seven Dials Market (in Covent Garden), is a conveyor belt cheese bar where you grab a plate of cheese based on its matching number in the menu.

It’s the first of its own kind in the world!

Each plate of cheese comes with a pairing such as fruit jam, marmalade, pesto, pickled onions, and sauerkraut.

Pick & Cheese doesn’t stop at the savory selections. For dessert, you can pick up a lemon and honey cheesecake OR a sugar-powdered donut stuffed with whipped rosemary goat cheese.

Oh, and did I mention that there is an extensive wine list as well?

17. Fish & chips at Fishcotheque (after being in the Eye)

After riding in the Eye, Cecilio got hungry but didn’t want to go somewhere out of the way for dinner. We decided that we would have our fish and chips once and for all, and Cecilio found Fishcotheque on Waterloo Road. It’s actually one of the older chippies in the area and has been around since 1964.

Fishcotheque is a 10-minute walk from the eye.

When you first come in, it seems like a hole-in-the-wall place, but let the food surprise you. I ordered cod cakes and chips, which were kinda bland. But Cecilio just ordered regular cod and chips, and the cod filet (not the cod cakes I ordered) was delicious. It has just the right amount of crispiness and oiliness. The prices were not at all bad either (FYI though: they only accept cash).

18. Authentic Indian dishes at Milbank Spice

If there’s one thing the Brits do well food-wise, it’s their Indian cuisine. London has loads of amazing Indian restaurants, pop-ups, and stalls in food markets.

One restaurant I highly recommend is Millbank Spice, which is a 20-minute walk from Westminster Abbey. Cecilio and I stumbled upon this unassuming restaurant on our first night, figuring out where to eat after a long flight from California and an hour-long trek from Croydon.

All I can say is that the dishes were amazing, and my favorite place to eat in London during our first time. From the hot and crispy appetizers to the creamy mattar paneer (tomato-based curry with paneer cheese and peas), you can’t go wrong no matter what you order.

Every dish also pairs well with a glass of red wine!

19. Traditional British pub fare at Bloomsbury Tavern

After our stint at the British Museum, Cecilio and I looked for the closest pub for dinner and drinks. We found Bloomsbury Tavern, a classic pub built in 1856 with open stained glass windows. Since it was two-story, we decided to go on the second level since the lower level was packed with people (we like having more open space to ourselves).

I ordered a double shot of gin and tonic, and Cecilio ordered a lager (which I ended up drinking since he is a teetotaller). For food, I ordered a vegan dahl with cauliflower rice and a side of mushroom soup for my throat.

Day trips from London

20. Stonehenge and Bath

Sometimes you get overwhelmed by London’s big city frenzy. This is always why I suggest taking a day trip to the countryside or coast.

I was reluctant about taking a day trip to Stonehenge and Bath, but I am so glad we did it, especially because I got to see Stonehenge in person after learning about it in an art history class. Especially because it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site!

I also fell in love with Bath. I didn’t expect it to fully blow me away the way it did. The charming, quaint vibes with cobblestone streets were a stark contrast to London. I tried to visualize the people in ancient times relaxing in the Roman bathhouse.

We took this tour with a small group of people from around the world, and our tour guide, Keith, was amazing at narrating British culture and history. He was super funny too!

For the more adventurous types, the UK also has amazing mountains to climb (and hike!) in.

21. Canterbury and the White Cliffs of Dover

If you’re looking for another day trip from London with deep-rooted history and stunning nature, I can’t recommend visiting Canterbury and the White Cliffs of Dover.

During my second time in London solo, I took this guided group tour, starting in Canterbury for two hours, making a quick stop in the small coastal town Deal for lunch, and ending it at the cliffs.

In Canterbury, spend most of your time at Canterbury Cathedral, a UNESCO site and the mother church of the Church of England. Canterbury is easy to walk around, with a few gift shops, markets, and cafes on every corner.

Then, you’ll stop at Deal, a small coastal town known for delicious fish and chips. I had them at Sea View Restaurant, which overlooks the water.

Last but not least, your tour ends in the White Cliffs of Dover. It is one of the most beautiful and magnificent spots I’ve ever seen in my life; it’s even more gorgeous in person than in the photos. Seeing the cliffs was the highlight of my second London trip, and you’re bound to see wildlife unique to Britain.

22. Paris

While most people transfer from London to Paris for their next leg of their European trip (like we did), I bet you didn’t know that you could also take a quick day trip without staying overnight!

You can easily take the Eurostar to head to Paris, where you pass through the English Channel underwater. I recommend going to Rail Europe to purchase the tickets. The train ride is only 2 hours and 15 minutes long, but just remember that Paris is one hour ahead in their time zone.

You also have the option to go on a guided tour to Paris. It’s much more expensive, but it takes the guesswork out of planning and all you have to do is meet your guide at St. Pancras International Train Station. Here are some guided tours to Paris:

• Paris Explorer Rail Tour from London with Paris Sightseeing Bus
• Full-Day Self-Guided Paris Tour from London by Eurostar with Seine River Cruise

Know before you go

How to get to London

By plane

London has two major international airports: Heathrow (LHR) and Gatwick (LGW).

There are also a few international airports like Stansted (STN) and Luton (LTN), but they are much smaller and further away from the city center. All airlines that fly into Stansted and Luton are European-based such as British Airways, RyanAir, TUI, WizzAir, and Jet2. There are a few Israel-based airlines that fly into Luton, which include EL AL and Isair.

By train

Eurostar is the main train company that goes to London from other major cities in Europe, such as Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels, Lille, and Rotterdam.

But if you are coming from Germany, you can ride the Deutsche Bahn. You can find train routes that start anywhere in Germany and can go to London.

The best and easiest way to look for train tickets and rail passes is through Rail Europe. It’s super easy to find routes, times, and the best prices.

Where to Stay in London

I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again. If it’s your first time in London, stay as close to the city center, attractions, and train stations as possible. I don’t care how much money you’re saving; your time is money, and you’re not necessarily saving money if you’re spending every day on an extra bus ride and train stop. Like Cecilio and I did, walking and taking the bus from our Airbnb just to go to the East Croydon station, then to London, which was an hour both ways.

My second time in London was much better and simpler because I stayed in the heart of Notting Hill, across the street from the train station. I got to explore deeper without having to rush my 4 days.

• Luxury: The Savoy
• Midrange: The Tower Hotel
• Budget: The Z Hotel Trafalgar
• Hostel: YHA London Central Hostel

Wrapping Up Things to Do in London for First Timers

Overall, I’ve had a wonderful time in London both times I’ve visited. It’s a city I could keep going to over and over and not get tired of. I love the vibe and the energy the city has. It’s quite unexplainable. It’s so much fun being a part of the crowd and getting lost at night.

The only thing Cecilio and I really regretted was staying in Croydon (especially far away from the East Croydon train station). The upside is that we got to experience the UK almost like a local and not just staying in the super touristy areas.

🇬🇧💂 If this guide has made you want to visit London, hit me up and we can plan your dream trip!

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Hannah Padilla

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Hannah is a travel writer, graphic designer, and the founder/editor of Hannah on Horizon. She is based in Sacramento, California, living with her husband and two adorable dogs. She shares tips on how to experience luxury travel on any budget, and how to maximize time at each trip or destination, no matter what your budget or amount of vacation time at work. She enjoys making you feel like you have visited each destination with her through her storytelling and informative writing style.