London Tourist Attractions

London is an amazing city to visit. With so many incredible tourist attractions and fun things to do, it's challenging deciding what to include in your sightseeing itinerary. Start your list by browsing the wide range of destinations and activities in the categories below. Each attraction is easy to get to on public transit and we include tube, bus and walking directions plus a quick link to real-time schedules and directions for those of you travelling with a smart phone.

Top attractions include the Tower of London, London Eye, Buckingham Palace and St. Paul's Cathedral, but they are just the tip of the iceberg. We hope our guide will inspire you to experience them and many more fabulous London attractions and activities.

Parks, Gardens and Views

ArcelorMittal OrbitArcelorMittal Orbit Viewing Platforms

Nearest Tube Station: Stratford

Located on the site of the 2012 Summer Olympics, the ArcelorMittal Orbit is a 376 foot tall sculpture with 2 viewing platforms located near the top providing visitors with a panoramic view of the park and city. ..... read more

London WaterbusCanal Cruise on the London Waterbus

Nearest Tube Stations: Warwick Avenue | Paddington Station

The London Waterbus Company is a private company that provides scenic cruises down the historic Regents Canal. They have a fleet of four narrow canal boats, three of which have a historic Ship Certificate. ..... read more

Hampstead HeathHampstead Heath

Nearest Tube Station: Hampstead Station

Hampstead Heath is a fabulous 800 acre retreat offering hilltop views, walking paths through grasslands and woodlands, ponds, swimming, fishing and more - a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the city ..... read more

Hyde ParkHyde Park

Nearest Tube Stations: Lancaster Gate | Marble Arch | Hyde Park Corner | Bayswater

There is something for everyone in this large 350 acre park which features a variety of landscapes gardens, attractions and activities including peddle boat rentals playgrounds and .... read more

Kensington GardensKensington Gardens

Nearest Tube Stations: Queensway | Lancaster Gate | Bayswater

These beautiful gardens were at one time the private gardens of Kensington Palace. Bordering 'Long Water' that divides them from Hyde Park, the gardens have a number of neat features ..... read more

Kew GardensKew Gardens

Nearest Tube Station: Kew Station

Kew Gardens are a historical Royal Botanical Garden located on 300 acres. There are structures on the site dating back as far as 1761. There is much to explore at these famous gardens and access from London is easy on the London Overground ..... read more

IFS Cloud Cable CarIFS Cloud Cable Car

Nearest Tube Station: North Greenwich

A ride high above the River Thames on the IFS Cloud Gondola offers spectacular views of East London including the famous O2 Arena. ...... read more

London EyeLondon Eye

Nearest Tube Stations: Waterloo Station | Embankment Station

Standing 520 feet tall, the London Eye is Europe's tallest ferris wheel and provides some superb views of Central London. You and your travelling companions will be carried inside air-conditioned capsules that have a capacity of up to 25 people. ...... read more

London River ToursLondon River Tours

Nearest Tube Stations: Westminster Station | Embankment Station

These scenic tours are a relaxing way to see the city of London from a different perspective while travelling along London's oldest thoroughfare, the River Thames. ..... read more

Queen Elizabeth Olympic ParkQueen Elizabeth Olympic Park

Nearest Tube Station: Stratford

Following the 2012 Summer Olympics, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park has been expanded and enhanced even further providing a beautifully landscaped setting with paths bordered by many native plants, wetlands and more. .....read more

Regent's Park and Primrose HillRegent's Park and Primrose Hill

Nearest Tube Stations: Camden Town | Regent's Park | Baker Street

Attractions in Regent's Park include the London Zoo, the Open Air Theatre, a boating lake, tennis courts, children's playgrounds a bandstand, numerous villas and more. ..... read more

St. James's ParkSt. James's Park

Nearest Tube Stations: St.James's Park | Westminster Station | Charing Cross

Leading up to Buckingham Palace, St. James's Park is the oldest of the famous Royal Parks in London. The park contains a small lake with two islands; home to a wide array of water birds including pelicans. ..... read more

The Shard Viewing GalleryViewing Gallery at The Shard

Nearest Tube Station: London Bridge

One of London's newest attractions, the Viewing Gallery at The Shard offers visitors a spectacular 360° panoramic view from what is now the highest viewing platform in the city. ..... read more

Landmarks and Architecture

ArcelorMittal OrbitArcelorMittal Orbit

Nearest Tube Station: Stratford

Designed and constructed for the London 2012 Summer Olympic Games, the ArcelorMittal Orbit is a unique monument and sculpture that is an Olympic legacy landmark and ..... read more

Buckingham PalaceBuckingham Palace

Nearest Tube Stations: Victoria Station | Green Park Station

Official residence of the British monarchy from 1837, Buckingham Palace will captivate you with its impressive facades and the golden Victoria Memorial. Arrive in the morning to see the famous Changing of the Guard Ceremony. ..... read more

Horse Guards ParadeHorse Guards Building and Parade

Nearest Tube Stations: Westminster Station | Charing Cross

The Horse Guards Building, a large Palladian style building located immediately east of Saint James's Park, was completed in 1753. Every morning you can witness the Horse Guards Parade here. ..... read more

HMS BelfastHMS Belfast

Nearest Tube Stations: London Bridge | Tower Hill

Permanently stationed in the Thames River just west of Tower Bridge since 1971, the magnificent HMS Belfast naval war ship and now museum, has become a well recognized London landmark. ..... read more

London EyeLondon Eye

Nearest Tube Stations: Waterloo Station | Embankment Station

Standing 520 feet tall, the London Eye is not only Europe's tallest ferris wheel and London's most popular attraction, but it has also become an iconic landmark. ...... read more

National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery Trafalgar Square

Nearest Tube Stations: Leicester Square | Charing Cross | Embankment

Trafalgar Square, first built in 1845, is named after the 1805 Battle of Trafalgar. It is surrounded on three sides by roadways with the facade of the impressive National Gallery completing the fourth side. The centrepiece is a commemorative column topped by a statue of Admiral Nelson who died in the Battle of Trafalgar. ..... read more

O2 ArenaO2 Arena

Nearest Tube Station: North Greenwich Station

Located on the North Greenwich Peninsula, the O2 is not just a huge multi-purpose arena it is also a distintive London landmark with its giant dome and the 11 protruding cranes that support it. ..... read more

 Palace of Westminster and Big Ben Palace of Westminster and Big Ben

Nearest Tube Stations: Westminster Station | Charing Cross | Victoria Station

The Houses of Parliament and the clock tower affectionately known as Big Ben, are properly called the Palace of Westminster. They are probably the most recognized landmark in all of London. In fact the ...... read more

Royal Albert HallRoyal Albert Hall

Nearest Tube Stations: South Kensington | High Street Kensington

The Royal Albert Hall, opened in 1871 is one of the most renowned architectural buildings in the UK and is recognized throughout the world. The hall houses the 2nd largest pipe organ in the UK. ..... read more

The Shard at nightThe Shard

Nearest Tube Station: London Bridge

London's newest landmark, The Shard is appropriately named after the shards of glass that glisten off the beautifully defined elegant looking pyramid shaped building that has transformed the city's skyline. The height of this magnificent building is 310 meters (the equivalent of 95 storeys) from base to summit. ..... read more

St. Paul's CathedralSt. Paul's Cathedral

Nearest Tube Stations: St. Pauls Station | Mansion House

The amazing architecture of this 300 year old structure was designed by Sir Christopher Wren. The architecture and lavish design of St. Paul's Cathedral reflects the influence of the monarchs who oversaw ..... read more

London Tower BridgeTower Bridge

Nearest Tube Stations: London Bridge Station | Tower Hill Station

The historic Tower Bridge, completed in 1892 to fill the need for an additional crossing over the Thames River east of London Bridge is one of London's most readily recognized landmarks. ..... read more

Westminster AbbeyWestminster Abbey

Nearest Tube Station: Westminster Station

With over 1000 years of history and its beautiful and intricatic Gothic architecture Westminster Abbey in London is interesting on many levels. It's origins go back to about ..... read more

Westminster CathedralWestminster Cathedral

Nearest Tube Station: Victoria Station

Westminster Cathedral is a young building by London standards, but possesses spectacular architecture and beauty. The seat of the Archbishop of Westminster, it is the largest ..... read more

Windsor CastleWindsor Castle

Nearest Tube Station: Paddington Station

Windsor Castle is the largest castle in the world today that is still occupied. An official residence to the Queen, this 900 plus year old castle continues as a full working palace and ..... read more

Historic Districts and Markets

ChelseaChelsea

Nearest Tube Station: Sloane Square Station

The historic neighbourhood of Chelsea, located along and above the banks of the River Thames just south of Westminster, is populated with many beautiful and historic homes.. ..... read more

HampsteadHampstead

Nearest Tube Station: Hampstead Station

In a addition to its many luxurious homes, Hampstead is also well known for its beautiful 800 acre wilderness area, the Hampstead Heath, which, over the years has inspired many artists and writers. ...... read more

MayfairMayfair

Nearest Tube Stations: Piccadilly Circus| Green Park | Oxford Circus

The Mayfair district is named after the 2 week May Fair that took place every year from 1686 to 1764. This area boasts many of London's most exclusive shops and restaurants and a large concentration of luxury hotels. ..... read more

Whitehall Whitehall

Nearest Tube Stations: Charing Cross | Victoria Station | Westminster Station

There are many iconic London landmarks in and around the Whitehall neighborhood including Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, to name a few. ...... read more

Camden MarketsCamden Markets

Nearest Tube Stations: Camden Town | Chalk Farm

Camden Markets are actually a vibrant group of closely spaced markets on the north side of Regent's Canal in Camden Town that attract nearly half a million visitors every week. ..... read more

Carnaby StreetMore London Shopping Districts

Nearest Tube Stations: Various

London features many more great shopping districts such as Carnaby Street, Beauchamp Place, Oxford Street, Regent Street, Bond Street, Covent Garden, Charing Cross Road. They are each known for different things. Click to ..... read more

Zoos, Aquariums and Theme Parks

The London Zoo and London AquariumThe London Zoo and London Aquarium

Nearest Tube Stations: Camden Town | Regents Park | Baker Street

Opening in 1828, the London Zoo was the world's first scientific zoo. In 1849 it began the world's first reptile house and, just four years later, it opened the first public aquarium (the term aquarium. ..... read more

Adventure IslandAdventure Island

Nearest Tube Station: West Ham Station

Adventure Island, a theme park with over 30 rides, ranging from large roller coasters to gentle rides for the little tots, is an excellent choice for a days outing from London. ..... read more

Bekonscot Model Village and RailwayBekonscot Model Village and Railway

Nearest Tube Station: Marylebone Station

The inspiration for other miniature villages around the world Bekonscot Model Village depicts England in the 1930s. It features a very sophisticated Gauge 1 model railway covering a distance of 10 scale miles through the village. ..... read more

Legoland WindsorLegoland Windsor

Nearest Tube Station: Paddington Station

Kids and adults alike will marvel at the complex and sophisticated recreations of famous buildings, landmarks and more, all created with LEGO. Many of the rides. ..... read more

IPilot Flight SimulatorLondon Flight Experience

Nearest Tube Stations: East Putney

Located just a 4 minute walk from the East Putney Underground Station, the London Flight Experience Flight Simulator will immerse you in a full size Boeing 737-800 simulator cockpit with virtually every control simulated. More than just a ride, this is a real learning experience. ..... read more

Museums, Galleries and Science

British MuseumBritish Museum

Nearest Tube Station: Tottenham Court Road | Holborn

Founded in 1753, the British Museum features a collection of 7 million items from around the world, representative of human history and culture from its origins to modern times. ..... read more

Churchill War RoomsChurchill War Rooms

Nearest Tube Station: Westminster Station | Charing Cross

The Churchill War Rooms, a museum located in the original Cabinet War Rooms offers visitors insights and a feel for one of the darker times in our modern history. ..... read more

HMS BelfastHMS Belfast

Nearest Tube Stations: London Bridge | Tower Hill

The HMS Belfast navel warship operated as one of the Imperial War Museums is a fascinating place to visit. You really should include it on your must see list. ..... read more

London Transport MuseumLondon Transport Museum

Nearest Tube Stations: Covent Garden | Charing Cross | Holborn

The London Transport Museum is a must see for anyone interested in the fascinating history of transportation, especially significant with London being the first city in the world to introduce the underground railways that are so widely used for public transport today. ..... read more

Madame Tussauds Wax MuseumMadame Tussauds Wax Museum

Nearest Tube Station: Baker Street Station

London was the permanent location for Madame Tussauds Wax Museum. The famous wax museum has been displaying its life-like exhibits at the current location since 1884. ..... read more

Museum of LondonMuseum of London Docklands

Nearest Tube Stations: Canary Wharf

As you walk through the galleries of the Museum of London,a chronologically ordered collection of artifacts and exhibits will take you on a journey through the history of the city. ..... read more

Old Operating TheatreOld Operating Theatre

Nearest Tube Station: London Bridge Station

Located up a very narrow flight of stairs inside the garret of St. Thomas's Church which was also the original location of St. Thomas's Hospital, visitors find this museum intriguing and highly ..... read more

Sherlock Holmes MuseumSherlock Holmes Museum

Nearest Tube Station: Baker Street Station

The intriqueing Sherlock Holmes Museum recreates the fictional home of home of Sherlock Holmes as described in the popular series of stories. ..... read more

Tower of LondonTower of London

Nearest Tube Station: Tower Hill Station

The Tower of London began it's legacy as a strategically located fortress way back at the end of the 11th century when William the Conqueror constructed the White Tower to secure his stronghold in the city. ..... read more

Inside the Natural History Museum Natural History Museum

Nearest Tube Station: South Kensington Station

The renowned London Natural History Museum is divided into four zones, each with many galleries representing Botany, Entomology, Mineralogy, Palaentology, and Zoology. ..... read more

Science MuseumScience Museum

Nearest Tube Station: South Kensington Station

With a vast collection exceeding 300,000 items, the Science Museum in London will keep you captivated for many hours. Some notable items include the oldest steam locomotive still in existence and some of the ..... read more

National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery

Nearest Tube Station: Leicester Square | Charing Cross | Embankment

The National Gallery in London boasts a collection totaling in excess of 2300 Western European paintings dating back as far as the middle of the 13th century. The adjoining National Portrait Gallery features paintings of famous people of the UK. ..... read more

Victoria and Albert MuseumVictoria and Albert Museum

Nearest Tube Station: South Kensington Station

Even though the Victoria and Albert Museum has 145 galleries spread over 51000 square metres, only a portion of its unrivalled collection of fine arts can be displayed at any one time. ..... read more

The Wallace CollectionThe Wallace Collection

Nearest Tube Station: Bond Street Station | Baker Street Station

The daughter in law of Richard Seymour-Conway bequeathed the house and his private collection of art to the nation under the condition that no item was ever to be removed from the collection, not even for exhibitions. ..... read more

Theatre, Sports and Entertainment Venues

O2 ArenaO2 Arena

Nearest Tube Station: North Greenwich Station

Located on the North Greenwich Peninsula, the O2 is not just a huge multi-purpose arena it is also a distintive London landmark with its giant dome and the 11 protruding cranes that support it. ..... read more

Barbican CentreBarbican Centre

Nearest Tube Stations: Barbican Station | Moorgate Station | St. Paul's Station

Europe's largest centre for performing arts, Barbican Centre hosts a wide array of classical and contemporary concerts, dance, film screenings and theatrical events. It is home of both ..... read more

BFI IMAX TheatreBFI IMAX Theatre

Nearest Tube Station: Waterloo Station

The London IMAX Theatre combines the largest screen in the United Kingdom with a powerful digital surround sound system to create a very immersive night at the movies. ..... read more

London ColiseumLondon Coliseum

Nearest Tube Stations: Charing Cross | Leicester Square | Embankment

With seating for 2359, the London Coliseum is the largest theatre in the city. It is home to world-class contemporary and theatrical operas from the English National Opera and visiting companies. ..... read more

Old Vic TheatreHallOld Vic Theatre

Nearest Tube Station: Waterloo Station

Since 2003, the artistic director of the new Old Vic Theatre Company, American actor Kevin Spacey, has introduced a mixture of British and American talent to the stage of this historic London venue. ..... read more

Open Air TheatreOpen Air Theatre

Nearest Tube Station: Baker Street

Located in beautiful Regents Park since 1932, The Open Air Theatre hosts a lineup of live outdoor shows every summer. ..... read more

Prince Charles CinemaPrince Charles Cinema

Nearest Tube Station: Leicester Square

This London favourite is an independant cinema that shows a variety of classic, art house and cult films in addition to newer Hollywood releases. It usually features about ..... read more

Queen Elizabeth Olympic ParkQueen Elizabeth Olympic Park

Nearest Tube Station: Stratford

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is a legacy of the 2012 Summer Olympic Games held in London. Today the park serves many functions that include not only some of the premier sporting venues that were left behind, but also ..... read more

Royal Albert HallRoyal Albert Hall

Nearest Tube Stations: South Kensington | High Street Kensington

The famous Royal Albert Hall, opened in 1871, is home to 350 performances each year ranging from classical, rock or pop concerts, opera, ballet, community events, ceremonies, banquets and more. ..... read more

Royal Festival HallRoyal Festival Hall

Nearest Tube Station: Waterloo Station

Royal Festival Hall is a leading entertainment venue with modernist architectural styling consisting of a 2900 seat auditorium, the Clore Ballroom, Southbank Centre Shop, several restaurants and the Siason Poetry Library.. ..... read more

Royal National TheatreRoyal National Theatre

Nearest Tube Station: Waterloo Station

The Royal National Theatre is a modern complex housing 3 auditoriums. It opened in 1976 as the new home of the publicly funded National Theatre Company. ..... read more

Royal Opera HouseRoyal Opera House

Nearest Tube Station: Covent Garden

The Royal Opera House, sometimes referred to as Covent Garden due to its location is a major venue for opera and performing arts. It is home to The Royal Opera, The Royal Ballet and the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House. ..... read more

Sadler's Wells TheatreSadler's Wells Theatre

Nearest Tube Station: Angel Station

With over a 300 year history, Sadler's Wells Theatre is the sixth theatre to be built on the present site under the same name..It is considered one of the top dance venues and production theatres in the UK. ..... read more

Shakespeare's Globe TheatreShakespeare's Globe Theatre

Nearest Tube Station: Mansion House | London Bridge | St. Pauls

Shakespeare's Globe Theatre is a faithful replica of the original dating back to 1599. Plays are performed from May through early October and tours are available all year. ...... read more

St. James's Church, PiccadillySt. James's Church, Piccadilly

Nearest Tube Stations: Piccadilly Circus | Green Park

We have included this church in our 'Theatres and Venues' section because of it's popular lunchtime recitals every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. ..... read more

St. Martin-in-the-FieldsSt. Martin-in-the-Fields

Nearest Tube Stations: Leicester Square | Charing Cross | Embankment

St. Martin-in-the-Fields is an almost 300 year old Anglican Church located at Trafalgar Square that features a popular Lunchtime Concert Series performed on Monday, Tuesday and Friday, a tradition that has been going on for over 60 years. ..... read more

Wigmore HallWigmore Hall

Nearest Tube Stations: Bond Street | Oxford Circus

Wigmore Hall which was built by German piano maker C. Bechstein Pianoforefabrik is noted for having near perfect acoustics for classical music and presents more that 400 performances each season. ..... read more

Some of the above photos are made available under a Creative Commons license. Photo Credits can be viewed on the detail page for each attraction.

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