Nine Things You Must Do on Your Next Trip to London

Each year, over 20 million tourists visit London - and for a good reason. There’s plenty of things to see and do in the Big Smoke, whether you’re looking to visit the city’s top tourist attractions or stray off the beaten path. However, if you’re limited on time, you need to make sure that you’re making smart decisions when putting together your travel itinerary - which is where this guide comes in handy!

Nine Things You Must Do on Your Next Trip to London

With that in mind, here are nine things you must do on your next trip to London!

Visit the British Museum

If you’re trying to visit London a budget, heading to one of the city’s many museums is a great way to achieve this goal. This is because the majority offer free entry, though they ask that you make a small donation if possible. While you have a wide range of options to choose from in this regard, the British Museum is one of the most popular. However, you could also stop by the Science, Natural History, or V&N Museum.

Enjoy a Pint at a Local Pub

Whether you’re hoping to try a local ale or a classic British meal, you should be sure to leave time in your schedule in order to visit at least one of the best pubs London has to offer! This includes the Rugby Tavern in Holborn and the Crooked Billet in Wimbledon. This is a great way to immerse yourself in British culture, especially if you visit one of the more historic pubs - some of which have been in operation for hundreds of years.

Have a Bite to Eat at Borough Market

With a history tracing back over 1,000 years, Borough Market is one of London’s most popular food hotspots. Here, you can enjoy delicious dishes from all over the world, including British classics such as pies and fish and chips. Be sure to explore the entire market before placing an order! Many stalls also hand out free samples so that you can be sure you’re spending your money wisely.

Visit the Tower of London

If you want to learn more about London’s rich history, a trip to the Tower of London is a no-brainer. You can get the best deal for this tourist attraction by booking online in advance, though this is well worth the price of admission. This is because you can spend as much time as you like exploring the former palace and prison. They also offer FREE guided tours led by a real working beefeater. You can find a schedule for these tours online, so try to make sure that your entry tour aligns with this.

Catch a Show in the West End

Whether you’re looking to see a classic play or want to tap your feet along to some of your favourite musical theatre songs, a night at the theatre is a night well spent! While tickets can get expensive (especially when buying for the entire family), you can find great deals on the day of the show itself by stopping by the theatre’s box office or using sites such as TodayTix and TCKTs.

If the theatre isn’t your thing, but you’d still like to enjoy some live entertainment, head to one of London’s famous comedy clubs. Many famous comedians appear at these clubs, especially when they are developing a new routine. Avoid the front row if you want to avoid audience interaction, though this can be a lot of fun within itself!

Visit Greenwich Park

In need of some greenery? Hop on the DLR and get off at Greenwich. Have a quick wander through the market, pick up something to eat (or some souvenirs), and follow the signs for Greenwich Park. This is one of London’s hidden gems - a 183-acre park, home to numerous gardens and an observatory. This is the perfect place to visit if the sun is shining, especially as you can pack your own picnic in order to save some money.

Keep an eye out for free events 

From live music to art shows, there are plenty of FREE events running in London every single day. As such, you should be sure to do plenty of research ahead of time to explore your options before travelling. For the most part, you can find a lot of fun activities to participate in on Eventbrite, but be sure to check out the websites of your favourite galleries or venues ahead of time.

Join a free walking tour

Walking tours are a great way to explore the city, whether joining a history tour through Westminster and the surrounding areas or a Harry Potter tour that takes you to filming locations or places mentioned in the book. Not only that, but plenty of companies run free or pay-what-you-feel tours, which are perfect for travellers on a budget. Remember, the weather in London can be quite sporadic, so you might want to pack an umbrella or waterproof in your case so that you aren’t caught out! Also, be sure to show your appreciation for your tour guide at the end of the tour; they work very hard!

Visit St Paul's Cathedral

Saint Paul’s Cathedral is another must-visit spot in the city. After all, this is a truly stunning building with a rich and well-documented history. While they run guided tours for a set fee, you can visit the cathedral for free by attending one of the church services. Of course, this means that you do need to stay in your seat during the service, as opposed to wandering around taking photographs. You can find out when the next service is being held on the cathedral's website.

Final Thoughts

While you will never run out of things to do in London, above is a list of everything that you simply must do when visiting the city. After all, this will allow you to make the most of your time in one of the UK’s most famous cities! So, what are you waiting for? It is time to start planning your trip!

What about you, have you ever been to London? Feel free to share any tips & advice below! (Photo by Giammarco Boscaro on Unsplash)

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ABOUTME

We overland. We eat plants and fungi. We live outside as much as possible. We are all connected. A female travel blogger overlanding and writing about ecotourism, ethical and sustainable travel, socially conscious travel and housesitting. An online travel magazine since 2015.