What to Do in London? The Complete Guide to an Unforgettable Trip

Oh, London! One of the cities that has enchanted me most. I can't quite explain it, but there's something about London that keeps drawing me back again and again. It has a perfect blend of grand history, contemporary culture, superb food, and an atmosphere unlike anywhere else. I've been there five times already (and I'm sure I'll go back), and every visit I discover new places I'd never seen before.

So if you're planning a trip to London, or you already have a plane ticket and you're looking for things to do, this guide is for you. I'm going to share all my recommendations – from the must-see places, to the best restaurants, to tips that will help you make the most of every moment in this incredible city.

Why is London the perfect destination?

London is one of the most diverse cities in the world – you'll find a mix of old and new, tradition and modernity, classic and cutting-edge. On the one hand, it's a city with rich history, palaces and royalty. On the other, it's a lively, buzzing city with a wild nightlife, incredible music gigs, street food from all over the world and graffiti decorating the walls like works of art.

Even if you've been to London before, I promise there's always something new to discover. It's a dynamic city that's constantly changing, with endless activities, attractions and brilliant places to explore.

So what do you do in London? 15 places you mustn't miss!

1. Wander the charming streets of Notting Hill

If you're looking for picture-perfect London, with colourful streets, Victorian houses and the loveliest atmosphere in the city – Notting Hill is the place for you. I recommend getting there early in the morning, before the crowds of tourists arrive, and simply strolling through the beautiful lanes.

On Saturdays the famous Portobello Market takes place here, where you'll find everything – clothes, vintage, jewellery, antiques and of course insanely tasty street food.

2. Visit Buckingham Palace and watch the Changing of the Guard

Yes, I know it sounds like a cliché, but no visit to London is complete without dropping by the royal palace. The Changing of the Guard takes place almost every day (weather permitting), and if you arrive early you can grab a good spot and watch this traditional ceremony.

My tip: if you want to see the palace from a slightly different angle, I recommend a walk through St James's Park right next door. It's one of the prettiest parks in the city, and it's full of adorable squirrels always on the hunt for snacks.

3. Discover the secrets of Camden Town

Camden is one of the most distinctive neighbourhoods in London. It's colourful, diverse, and has an atmosphere you won't find anywhere else. Camden Market is a paradise for foodies – there are stalls here with every kind of food you can imagine, from Thai cuisine to vegan burgers.

Don't miss the incredible graffiti walls and the vintage shops on every corner. And if you love music, this is the place to find rare records and T-shirts of legendary rock bands.

4. See London from above – the London Eye or the Shard?

If you want to see the city from up high, you have two options:

1. The London Eye – the famous giant wheel that offers an incredible panoramic view over the city. A ride lasts about half an hour, and it's one of the most popular spots for tourists.
2. The Shard – the tallest skyscraper in London. The view from here is simply wow! The advantage is that there are no queues like at the London Eye, and the downside is that tickets are a bit pricier.

Which is better? If it's your first time in London, go for the London Eye. If you've already visited the city, I'd recommend the Shard.

5. Visit the Natural History Museum

One of the most rewarding museums (and entry is free!). You'll find full-size dinosaur skeletons, interactive exhibitions about our planet and even a giant blue whale model. Even if you're not a museum person, I'm sure you'll enjoy this one.

6. Soak up the atmosphere at Borough Market

If you love food, this is the place for you. Borough Market is one of the best markets in Europe, packed with stalls selling cheeses, pastries, sausages, chocolates and outrageously good desserts. Don't miss the market's famous sandwiches – they're a culinary work of art.

7. Take a boat trip on the Thames

One of the most fun ways to see the city is a cruise along the river. You can take a regular boat trip or join a romantic dinner cruise. If you're after something extra special, there's also an extreme high-speed powerboat ride – a wild experience for anyone who loves adrenaline!

8. Nightlife in Soho and Shoreditch

London offers a fantastic nightlife. If you're after authentic British pubs with a fun atmosphere, head to Soho. If you're more into hipster bars and live music, Shoreditch is your place.

9. A Harry Potter tour

Harry Potter fans – this one's for you! You can visit the Warner Bros. Studio Tour, where you'll see the original film sets, or take a city tour and visit the places that inspired the books (such as Diagon Alley and King's Cross station).

10. Pop over to Windsor or Oxford

If you have a spare day, I warmly recommend a trip outside London. Windsor is a gorgeous town with a stunning castle, and Oxford is a university city with a magical atmosphere.

How do you stay connected in London?

Although London offers plenty of free Wi-Fi networks, it isn't always enough. The best solution? An eSIM from eSIMfly. Instead of fiddling with a physical SIM or paying a fortune for roaming, you simply download the eSIM before your flight, scan a QR code, and within seconds you have internet everywhere.

A few final words

London is a city without end. On every visit I discover something new, and I'm sure you'll fall in love with it too. I hope this guide helps you plan your trip and enjoy every moment in this amazing city.

If you have questions or extra recommendations, I'd love to hear them in the comments!

Planning the trip? Order your United Kingdom eSIM before you fly — the QR code arrives by email within minutes.