London, the setting of iconic movies and shows such as “Harry Potter, “Mary Poppins,” “Mr. Bean,” and “101 Dalmatians,” is not just a popular destination among tourists, but also quite famous in the world of pop culture. Several movies were filmed in this city in the United Kingdom and the capital of England, such as “Skyfall,” “The Bourne Ultimatum,” “A Clockwork Orange,” “The Man Who Knew Too Much,” and “Atonement,” among others. There are so many things to do in London. 

It is a city that’s quite known in these modern times, but never fails to be proud of its history that dates back to the Roman era. Some of its landmarks include the imposing Houses of Parliament, the renowned Big Ben clock tower, and Westminster Abbey, where British monarch coronations happen. Across the Thames River, you can ride the London Eye observation wheel where you can catch great views of the entire city. 

And if you are wondering why London is nicknamed “The Big Smoke,” you can guess it, the name refers to the dense fogs and smogs that would permeate the city since ancient times. We’ll get to know more about these things to do in London a little bit better.

Get To Know The 10 Best Things To Do In London

Get to know the 10 best things to do in London with this guide. 

1. Experience The British Royal Life And Witness The Iconic Changing Of The King’s Guard At Buckingham Palace

Begin your things to do in London by visiting the iconic Buckingham Palace. Here, you can experience what it’s like to live the British royal life. You can wander through the grand State Rooms where you can see several different treasures and artifacts. There are also special exhibitions being hosted in this place. Don’t forget to cap off your tour in the palace’s quaint gardens, where the famous lake is. 

Wondering where you can find the famous London guards wearing those tall black headdresses? Right here at Buckingham Palace. On certain days from 10:45 a.m., with the actual handover at 11 a.m., the Changing of the King’s Guard ceremony occurs. If you want to catch all the action, be sure to arrive early to secure a spot with a great view.

Added to those, you may also partake in a photo-op with these London guards, and test if they’ll ever get distracted. Never. They stand firm with their responsibilities. 

2. Take In 360-Degree Views Of The Entire City Aboard The London Eye

The London Eye experience is one of the things to do in London you shouldn’t skip – it’s a hit among travelers! Aboard this cantilevered observation wheel that’s the tallest in the world, you can get amazing 360-degree views of the entire city. 

The London Eye has become a symbol of this English capital and a world-famous architectural icon. As you ride the wheel, you can see up to 25 miles on a clear day at a breathtaking 443 feet high, taking you to views of London’s most famous landmarks such as Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and Buckingham Palace.

This ride also has quite a story to tell. It has 32 pods, each representing the 32 boroughs of London. 

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3. See A ‘Harry Potter’ BTS At Warner Bros. Studio Tour London

“Harry Potter” is a novel and film that has made the wizard dreams of so many people around the world come true. There are also several theme parks that showcase it, such as those in Japan and Florida, USA. But perhaps nothing can be more authentic than what’s in London, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour that takes you to a “Harry Potter” BTS (behind-the-scenes). Be sure to check out this one of the best things to do in London. 

At the Warner Bros. Studio Tour, you can treat yourself as part of the story as you visit the Hogwarts Great Hall and the Forbidden Forest, board the Hogwarts Express at Platform Platform 9 ¾, and wander around Diagon Alley. 

This attraction is located at the studios where all the eight “Harry Potter” films were produced. You can also see first-hand the sets, costumes, and props used in those movies. 

4. See Westminster Abbey In-Person, The Place Where Royal Weddings Happen

No, it’s not Downton Abbey, it’s Westminster Abbey. This is also one of the best things to do in London that shouldn’t be off your bucket list. 

If you’ve watched the royal wedding that is so familiar with today’s millennials, we’re referring to the wedding of Prince William and Catherine, it happened right here at Westminster Abbey. The place is one of the most important UNESCO World Heritage Sites in London. It also played host to coronations and of course, the State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022. 

Here at Westminster Abbey, you can gaze at its impressive architecture, see the resting places of kings and queens who passed away, and visit the Poets’ Corner – where some of Britain’s most renowned writers, such as William Shakespeare and Jane Austen are buried – among many other experiences. 

Westminster Abbey was founded by Benedictine monks in 960 A.D.

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5. Sip The Best Afternoon Tea

Many have tried it, and many continue to love it. Today, sipping an afternoon tea in London enjoys a phenomenal celebratory status. But, it has got quite a history to tell. 

It was in 1840 when the Duchess of Bedford shared her guilty secret of enjoying tea and snacks a few hours before dinnertime. Apparently, this has set a trend for what would become a nationwide tradition complete with revised afternoon tea etiquette, such as wearing a relaxed smart casual dress code and never dunking your biscuits into the tea. 

Some of the best places to sip afternoon tea include the teas from Ritz, Hotel Café Royal Van Gough, Nobu Hotel, and The Petersham, among many others. 

6. Try The London Dinner Cruise On The Thames River

London’s history and its Thames River are intertwined. So, after taking a sip from your afternoon tea cup, what better way to enjoy the things to do in London to the fullest than by heading to a dinner cruise on the Thames River?

Enjoy an unforgettable evening filled with food, wine, and entertainment on this showboat dinner cruise on the Thames River, offered by Viator. Feast on a four-course dinner aboard as the boat sails past London’s most famous attractions like the London Eye, the Tower of London, and the Tower Bridge, all illuminated. 

While you take your dinner and reel in all the sights, background music is played during the cruise. You may also take over the dance floor, if you wish.

7. Step Through The Beautiful Halls Of The Houses Of Parliament  

Your favorite “Harry Potter” characters flew past the Houses of Parliament riding their broomsticks in the “Order of the Phoenix” movie, but on a more serious note, this is where history has been made time and time again. 

There are both guided and self-guided tours available that can take you to the various areas of the building, such as Westminster Hall – the oldest building the Parliamentary estate, over 900 years old – the House of Commons Chamber, and the House of Lords. Be sure to take photos.

But, if you are not interested in visiting the interiors, perhaps if you do not have the luxury of time, many travelers would agree that simply admiring the structure’s impressive exterior is enough. This is one of the must-try things to do in London.

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8. Take A Selfie With The Big Ben

If there’s the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, perhaps its equal in London is the Big Ben. Hands down, Big Ben is one of the most famous landmarks in London, especially among first-timers. 

Big Ben got its name as it is the largest of the five bells inside the clock tower, but today, the name “Big Ben” already includes both the bell and the clock tower. 

This iconic tower is situated on the House of Parliament’s north end, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well. Be sure to take a selfie with Big Ben!

9. Watch A Show At The West End Theatre District 

If you are familiar with talents such as Andrew Lloyd Webber, Angela Lansbury, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, and Benedict Cumberbatch, they have something in common. Did you guess what it is? Yes, their works got famous at London’s West End. If New York City is to Broadway, London is to the West End, and you should not dare miss this one of the best things to do in London. 

Currently, the shows being played at the West End Theatre District include “The Lion King,” “Les Misérables,” “Hamilton,” “Frozen The Musical,” “Wicked,” “The Phantom of the Opera,” “Moulin Rouge!” and “Mamma Mia!,” among others. 

10. Relax And Gaze At Swans At Hyde Park   

If you are looking for some things to do in London that will make you feel relaxed amidst the hustle and bustle of the city, take it to Hyde Park. Hyde Park is perhaps the most famous park in London, and also one of the largest. 

It also has quite a story to tell. Historically, it has hosted a number of demonstrations and protests, such as the protests by the Suffragettes, a member of an activist women’s organization in the early 1900s that fought for the right of women to vote in the United Kingdom. 

Hyde Park is also home to the famous Speaker’s Corner, which, until today, still plays host to debates, protests, and performances. You can also visit the Serpentine where you can go paddle-boating, gaze at some swans living in the area, and simply take a breather in one of London’s natural oases. 

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Planning Your Things To Do In London: Airlines That Fly To London

Planning for a trip, whether to a domestic or international destination, is easier said than done. You’ve got to be meticulous if you want your trip to be smooth-sailing. Part of planning for a trip is buying your airline ticket. And since we are focusing on London here, it’s important that you know which airlines fly to London, so you can never miss on the things to do in London. 

Here are some of the airlines that fly to London. Your things to do in London await.

• China Eastern
• Philippine Airlines
• Emirates 
• Saudia 
• China Southern 
• Gulf Air 
• Qantas
• Qatar Airways 
• British Airways
• Singapore Airlines 
• Cathay Pacific
• Oman Air, and more

London: It’s My Kind Of Fun

To tell you, London is quite a classic destination. The several things to do in London are so familiar to you, since the city has also been a favorite in pop culture, such as movies and books. 

What are you waiting for? Explore the grand tapestry of this English city’s vibrant soul where you can be a living witness to its multitude of wonders. From the timeless appeal of its historical landmarks to its newest attractions, past and present dance in unison, captivating the hearts of every traveler who visits here. 

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