Top 10 things to do in London

Our top 10 picks for attractions and fun things to do in London

With all that London has to offer, coming up with a list of 10 top attractions is nearly impossible. We took our best shot and chose 1 to 3 top attractions in each category - something for everyone - but we certainly hope you have time to visit more than 10 attractions during your visit to this amazing city. For more information about any of the following London attractions just click on the links or photos.

Best Museums and Galleries

Central Courtyard Inside the British Museum 1. British Museum

cc licensed photo by Greg Knapp

Founded in 1753, the British Museum features a massive collection that exceeds 7 million items which come from all over the world, representing and revealing human history and culture from its origins all the way to the present.

Exterior of the Natural History Museum 2. Natural History Museum

cc licensed photo by Steve Cadman

Once you get over the amazing terracotta facade and Victorian architecture of the Natural History Museum you will be able to explore the incredible and renowned collection of specimens located inside.

Entrance to the National Gallery at dusk 3. National Gallery

cc licensed photo by ** Maurice **

Founded in 1824, the National Gallery features a great collection of over 2300 Western European paintings which date as far back to the middle of the 13th century.

Best Palaces

Gothic Spires of Palace of Westminster with Westminster Bridge in the Foreground 4. Houses of Parliament (Palace of Westminster)

cc licensed photo by _gee_

The Houses of Parliament which are properly called the Palace of Westminster, along with the Clock Tower, are probably the single most recognized landmark in all of London.

East facade of Buckingham Palace 5. Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace contains 775 different rooms including nineteen State rooms which are often used by the Royal Family to host and entertain Heads of State and other officials. The Palace houses many highly valued works of art that make up a portion of the Royal Collection, one of the world's major art collections.

Best Historical Sites

View of the Tower of London 6. Tower of London

If the walls of this historical site could talk they could tell some amazing stories and indeed you will discover many incredible stories when you visit the Tower of London. It has been the centre of much of England's history and conflict during its 900 plus years.

Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery 7. Trafalgar Square

cc licensed photo by Shane Global Language Centres

Located in the heart of London, Trafalgar Square is a popular tourist attraction in its own right. This large square, which was first built in 1845, is named after the 1805 Battle of Trafalgar. It is also home to the National Gallery and close to many other attractions.

Best Parks and Gardens

Enjoying the View of London from Primrose Hill 8. Regents Park and Primrose Hill

cc licensed photo by o_ise

Regent's Park is one of London's beautiful Royal Parks. At 410 acres, it is the largest single Royal Park within the central London area. It is also the home of the world renowned London Zoo.

Kew Palace, the Smallest of the Royal Palaces 9. Kew Gardens

The stunning Kew Gardens have been classified as a National Botanical Garden since 1840. A little ways out from Central London, they are more than worth the trip and you can still reach them on the tube.

Best Activity

One of Many Tours available on the River Thames 10. London River Tour

These scenic tours are a relaxing way to see the city of London and many of its famous landmarks from a different perspective while travelling along London's oldest thoroughfare, the River Thames.