Oh London!  London is one of my absolute favorite cities in the entire world.  From history to art to adventure to food, there are countless things to do, see, eat, and experience in London.  It would truly take years to fully discover everything London has to offer.  And while there are 300+ page guidebooks out there that fully explore London (see the end of the post for my favorite London guidebooks), here are some items on my London bucket list!

 1. Admire Piccadilly Circus

Piccadilly Circus is to London what Times Square is to New York.  Bright lights and crowded with tourists, but it is still worth a trip to see it all!

2. Catch a Match at Wimbledon

Tennis fans rejoice!  The famous Wimbledon Tennis Championship takes place from Late June to Early July at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.  Furthermore, there is the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum, the largest Tennis Museum in the world.

3. Climb the O2

For you adventurous type, you can climb the O2.

4. Drink Cider in a London Pub

I am a huge Cider fan! And, London is a perfect place to try new and delicious Ciders!  Go to a local Pub for a full British experience!

5. Eat Fish and Chips

Fish and Chips is the quintessential English meal!  Pop down to a pub and order some Fish and Chips!

Recommendation: There is so much more than just Fish & Chips!  Foodies, take the Savoring London Food Tour by Context Travel for an amazing gastronomy experience!

6. Have Afternoon Tea at a Fancy Hotel

Some of the best fancy, fancy hotspots include The Ritz, The Dorchester, Claridges, Brown’s.

Insider Tip: Gentlemen, take note!  Some places still require a jacket and tie for tea.

7. Go to Kensington Palace and Gardens

Enjoy a quiet afternoon in the Kensington Gardens.  Then, head over to Kensington Palace and visit the state rooms open to the public.  Exhibitions may vary, but when I was there I saw some beautiful gowns were worn by Queen Elizabeth and even Diana as well as a look at Queen Victoria’s life.

Recommendation: For a more in-depth exploration of the Kensington area, take the Kensington and Knightsbridge Neighborhood Tour by Context Travel.

8. Go on a Jack the Ripper Guided Walk

Head over to the East End and take a Jack the Ripper Tour.  Learn about London’s most famous serial killer, Jack the Ripper.  Take a spooky tour of his hunting grounds around London!

Recommendation: Take this Jack the Ripper Tour by Get Your Guide.

 9. Go Inside the Houses of Parliament

The architecture of Houses of Parliment, also known as the Palace of Westminister, is just beautiful!   But, if you get a chance, step inside Parliment.  It is open to visitors only when Parliament is in session (generally October to July, Monday through Thursday).

Insider Tip: The best view of Parliment is from the south side of the river Thames, directly opposite the Houses of Parliament.

10. Go to the Tate Modern

If you like Modern Art, then plan on spending several hours here.  If you don’t like Modern Art, you can still pop in — it’s free!

Recommendation: Take the Tate Modern Crash Course by Context Travel to fully appreicate everything in the Tate Modern!

11. Go to the British Museum

The British Museum is the world’s greatest collection of Western Civilization artifacts.  And, there is so much to see!  And, the best part?  It is FREE!  You can spend days exploring everything the British Museum has to offer.  But, the MUST See items are the Egyptian Mummies, the Rosetta Stone, and artifacts from Ancient Greece.

Recommendation: Since there is so much to see and learn here, take the British Museum Tour: Crash Course by Context Travel.

12. Go to St. Paul’s Cathedral

St. Paul’s Cathedral is beautiful, especially its famous 365-foot dome!  You can even go to the top of it to take in the views of spectacular London!

13. Ice Skate at Somerset House

If you are visiting London in the Winter, head down to Somerset House for one of the prettiest ice skating areas in London!

14. Look over London from the Shard

The Shard is the latest addition to London’s skyline.  Go to the top and take in the views of London.

15. Make a Call from a Red Telephone Booth

Well, there may not be phones in the Red Telephone Booth anymore, but you still have to get a picture of you in the Red Telephone Booth!  There’s one on every corner, so find a pretty one and take a quintessential London picture!

16. Master the Tube

The London Tube is super easy to understand and master.  It is the easiest and sometimes the fastest way to navigate around London.  Just beware of Rush Hour!

17. Order a Martini (Shaken, not Stirred)

While in London, channel your best James Bond and order a martini shaken, not stirred.

Insider Tip:  If you are a huge James Bond fan, go to Duke’s London Bar.  It is believed that Ian Fleming came up with the story of James Bond inside the bar in Duke’s Hotel.  Also, it was here where he would request his martinis “shaken not stirred.”

18. Picnic in Hyde Park

Grab a lunch-to-go and have a picnic lunch at Hyde Park.  Feel like local and enjoy the beautiful scenery, especially during the summertime!  If you feel extra adventurous, rent a boat and row your boat around the Serpentine.  You can also pay tribute to Princess Diana at the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain.

Recommendation: While it is fun to picnic and play around Hyde Park, take the Royal Parks and Palaces: Understanding British Monarchy by Context Travel to learn about the history of Hyde Park (and Kensington Gardens)!

19. People Watch at Covent Garden

Covent Garden is a large square filled with people and street performers.  In the center is a covered marketplace.  It is a great place to people watch!

20. Practice Your British Accent

Because who doesn’t love a British Accent?  PIck up some British slang too — Rubbish, lift, loo, knackered, queue, telly.  There are so many fabulous words to incorporate into your vocabulary!

21.  Pose with Celebrities at Madame Tussaud’s

Pose with all of your fave celebrities (in wax form, naturally) inside the iconic Madame Tussaud’s.

Recommendation: Get your tickets ahead of time here at Get Your Guide. 

22. Read a Book at the British Library

The British Library has a lot of literary treasures ranging from early Bibles, to the Magna Carta, to some of Shakespeare’s work.

23. Ride a Double-Decker Bus

Because, a red double-decker bus just screams, “I am in LONDON!”

24. Ride in a Black Cab

Cabbies love to talk!  Strike up a conversation with a cabbie to get a local’s perspective on everything London!

25. Ride the London Eye

Although this is not for me personally, I hear that the views of London from the London Eye are spectacular!

Insider Tip: If you want to have a nice, fancy evening, then book a “champagne capsule” on the London Eye at sunset.

26. See Big Ben

Big Ben is the name of the clock, not the tower!  Grab that selfie stick and take a picture with Big Ben!

27. See a Play at Shakespeare’s Globe

Shakespeare’s Globe is home to the traditional Shakespearean theatre company.  And, it is like stepping back in time.

Insider Tip: Book your tickets in advance, especially during high season.

28. See the Crown Jewels

While this is in the Tower of London, the Crown Jewels deserve their own bullet point.  Admire all the sparkling jewels and crowns.

29. See a Show on the West End

I love, love Broadway plays. So, it is very exciting to see a new (or even an old favorite) on London’s West End.  There was something very charming about seeing “Wicked” in a British accent!

30. See Ballet or Opera at the Royal Opera House

The best place to go for a night at the opera or ballet is the Royal Opera House. It may be a tad expensive, but you will walk away speechless!

31. See a British “Ceremony”

The Brits are known for their Pomp and Ceremony.  Check out the Changing of the Guards or any British ceremony filled with pomp and ceremony!

32. Shop at Harrods

Harrods is London’s most famous (and probably most touristy) department stores.  With more than four acres of retail space spread out over seven floors, you should shop until you drop here!

33. Shop at Camden Lock Market

This arts-and-crafts festival is located in Camden Town set alongside a canal.  Pick up some great souvenirs and trinkets here.

34. Shop on Oxford and Regent Streets

Be prepared to brave the crowds on Oxford and Regent Streets!  But, it is worth a look at one of the most famous shopping streets in the world!

Insider Tip: Oxford Street is more of a mid-range shopping area whereas Regent Stret is filled with the high-class, top-dollar stores.

35. Stay at The Goring Hotel

The Goring Hotel is one of the most impeccable, exclusive, and luxurious hotels in London. It is a dream of mine to stay here.  And, if you book with me, I can get you these extra wonderful Virtuoso amenities (for 2018):

36. Solve a Sherlock Holmes of a Mystery!

I am a huge Sherlock fan!  If you love Sherlock, you can visit 221b Baker Street and visit the Sherlock Holmes Museum.

37. Smell the Flowers at Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens, located in Southwest London, is a botanical garden that has the “largest and most diverse botanical and mycological collections in the world.”

38. Sport the Union Jack

Because why not?!?!

39. Stand on the Prime Meridian at Greenwich Observatory

Located within the city limits of London, Greenwich is England’s maritime capital. It is like a little city unto itself!  Here, you can stand on the prime meridian (0 degrees longitude).

Insider Tip: My favorite way to Greenwich is to ride a sight-seeing boat down the Thames (and then take the Docklands Light Railway back)! 

Recommendation: To fully appreciate Greenwich, take the To the Sea: Greenwich and the Meridian by Context Travel, where you will also be able to check off the next bucket list item, riding down the Thames!

40. Take a Ride Down the Thames

There are many open-top boats that cruise down the Thames.  It is a great way to see London from a different perspective!  Also, if you are short on time, it is a great way to see a lot of London’s most famous attractions.

Recommendation: For a great introduction to London, take the Introduction to London: Tides of Time by Context Travel where you will be able to learn all about the history of London from an interesting and fun perspective.

41. Take a Day Trip

There are SO MANY different day trips you can take from London.  The most popular day trips are to Windsor, Cambridge, Oxford, Bath, and Stonehenge.  London is the central base to see many different parts of England!

Recommendation: Since there are so many day trip options, here are a few of my favorites. A. Cambridge Visit by Context Travel. B. Oxford Excursion by Context Travel. C. Day Trip to Stonehenge and Bath by Get Your Guide.

42. Take a Stroll Down the Mall

The Mall is the wide street leading up to Buckingham Palace.  This is one of the most iconic streets in London.  Take a leisurely stroll down this tree-lined street.

43. Visit Buckingham Palace

This lavish palace is Britain’s Royal Residence (AKA home to Her Majesty, the Queen).  It is here where you can catch the famous changing of the guards (see #56).

Insider Tip: The State Rooms of Buckingham Palace are only open from August to September.

Recommendation: Take the Buckingham Palace and Royal Parks Tour by Context Travel to learn all about Buckingham Palace.  For a full day of the Royal experience, take the Royal London Full Day Experience by Context Travel.

44. Visit Platform 9 and ¾

Located in King’s Cross Station, this is a MUST DO for all Harry Potter fans!  Reenact Harry’s venture to Platform 9 and 3/4.

45. Visit the Natural History Museum

A giant dinosaur skeleton will greet you when you walk into the Natural History Museum.   There are a ton of creative and interactive displays.

46. Visit the Churchill War Rooms

I am a huge history buff, especially World War 2.  The Churchill War Rooms offer a fascinating walk through the underground headquarters of the British government during World War 2.  It has 2 parts: the war rooms and a museum dedicated to Winston Churchill.  For history buffs, this is a must do!

Recommendation: “Delve into the depths of one of London’s most important eras” by taking the London Churchill War Room Tour by Context Travel.

47. Visit Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey is one of the most famous churches in the world.  Westminster Abbey has so much history from the burials of famous men and women, such as Charles Darwin and Issac Newton, to the coronation of the Queens and Kings of England, to the wedding of Prince William to Kate Middleton.  It is worth going inside and taking the tour.

Insider Tip: Westiminster Abbey is closed Sundays for sightseers, but open for services.  Check their website for times and special events!

Recommendation: Since Westminster Abbey represents the English history and culture, it is worth taking the Westminster Abbey Tour: Britain Through The Ages by Context Travel.

48. Visit the Tower of London

I could write an entire article on the Tower of London (which, I probably will one day).  I love, love British history, and the Tower of London is filled with so much fascinating history!  It has been a castle, a king’s residence, a prison, and even a zoo!  Take a “Beefeater” Tour to fully appreciate the Tower of London.

Recommendation: Since the Tower of London is one of my favorite spots in London, I suggest on taking the Tower of London Tour by Context Travel.  You will learn so much about British history, the political intrigues of kings and queens, the daily life of commoners, and so much more through this tour!

49. Visit Victoria and Albert Museum

The Victoria and Albert Museum hosts one of the biggest (and most eclectic) collections of objects anywhere.  It has something for everyone!

Recommendation: Design, art, and history lovers take the Victoria and Albert Museum Tour Crash Course by Context Travel to fully appreciate everything the V&A Museum has to offer!

50. Visit Trafalgar Square

London’s central square is the center of modern London and connects the areas of Westminister, The City, and the West End.  It is a wonderful place to hang out and people watch.

51. Visit the Imperial War Museum

If you are a history, especially a war aficionado, this is the museum for you.  The Imperial War Museum covers wars from the last century with an emphasis on understanding the history of modern warfare.

52. View Art at the National Gallery

The National Gallery has a spectacular collection of European paintings, including works by Leonardo, Van Gough, and Rembrandt.  Even if you are not an art fan, it is worth popping in to admire some of the famous works of art, especially since it is FREE!

Insider Tip: If you are a huge art fan, stop next door to the National Portrait Gallery, home of portraits of famous Brits.

Recommendation: Take the National Gallery Crash Course by Context Travel to learn about one of the greatest collections of Western paintings in the world.

53. Visit Hampton Court Palace

Take a short train ride to Hampton Court Palace to visit the most well-known home of infamous Henry VIII.  Tour this impressive Tutor palace and learn all about Henry VIII.  Just be careful not to lose your head 😉

Recommendation: All you Tutor fans have to take the Hampton Court Palace Tours: 200 Years of History, Architecture, and Design by Context Travel.

54. Walk across Abbey Road

And recreate that iconic picture on the Beatles album.

55. Walk over the Tower Bridge

London’s most iconic bridge located on the Thames (do not confuse it with London Bridge).  You can walk along the bridge or even go up in the bridge (just be prepared to climb a lot of stairs!).

56. Walk down Downing Street

The Prime Minister and his or her family live at #10 Downing Street.  Since he or she is a tad important, Downing Street is blocked-off.  But, you can take a peak of Downing Street through the iron security gate.

57. Watch the Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace

Pomp and Royalty!  The changing of the guard takes place from May until the end of July at 11:30 am daily and on alternate days for the rest of the year, weather permitting of course.

Insider Tip: The action takes place in stages over an hour at several different locations (the main event is in front of Buckingham Place).  Get there early!  It can get crowded in front of Buckingham Palace very quickly.

58. Watch a Football Match at Wembley Stadium

The Brits looooove their football (or, as we Americans say, soccer).  If you love your football, head on over to Wembley Stadium to see a proper match. Book your tickets in advance!

59. Wave Your Wand at Harry Potter: Warner Bros. Studio

Harry Potter fans rejoice! See all the behind-the-scenes, props, costumes, and sets at this Harry Potter: Warner Bros. Studio.  It will be an unforgettable experience! 

Recommendation: For the ultimare experience, take the Warner Bros Studio: Fully-Guided Making of Harry Potter Tour by Get Your Guide.