Things to Do in London: Museums, Sightseeing, and Shopping Guide

Tate Modern

Formerly the Bankside Power Station, Tate Modern opened in 2000 and is one of the world's most popular art destinations (tate.org.uk, admission is free). It hosts rotating exhibitions, workshops, educational events, and Tate Modern Lates, when it stays open after hours with DJ sets, food, and drinks. The gift shop is a great source for quirky, cool souvenirs, as is nearby Oxo Tower, which stocks Suck UK gift items (suck.uk.com). Borough Market, Shakespeare's Globe, St. Paul's Cathedral, and the London Eye are also all in the South Bank area.

Leighton House Museum

In the leafy and upmarket environs of Holland Park, the Leighton House Museum is the former home and studio of Frederic, Lord Leighton, a leading artist of the Victorian age (rbkc.gov.uk/museums). While often overlooked in favor of the more famous London museums, it embodies how we expect a great artist of the time to live and will charm art lovers.

The Wallace Collection

Tucked behind Oxford Street in Manchester Square, the Wallace Collection is well worth seeking out (wallacecollection.org). Within a historic townhouse, you’ll find an impressive collection of paintings by renowned European artists, arms and armor, and decorative works. Admission is free, and the experience is quiet and intimate—no pushing through crowds to get a glimpse of the displays.

Dennis Severs' House

Imagine an 18th century Huguenot silk-weaver’s house just as they left it, as if the family has just stepped out and you’re secretly wandering around their private spaces (dennissevershouse.co.uk). Dennis Severs’ House is one of the smallest and most interesting museums in London, so book tickets ahead of time online, or for a special visit, arrange a private tour in advance.

Buckingham Palace

Perhaps London’s most iconic site, Buckingham Palace is the monarch’s official London residence and administrative headquarters. Located in the City of Westminster, the magnificent State Rooms are open to visitors during the summer. On select dates in the winter and spring, exclusive guided tours are available.

The Tower of London

It's one of the first things that people want to see in London, and understandably so—the sense of history at the Tower of London is palpable. Ceremonial guardians, nicknamed the Beefeaters, regale visitors of all ages with tales of past kings and queens, including the wives of Henry VIII, some of whom met a gruesome end here. Watch for the famous resident ravens and marvel at the even more famous Crown Jewels.

Princess Diana Memorial Playground

Located next to Kensington Palace, Diana Memorial Playground was inspired by the classic tale of a boy who won't grow up. Families can happily spend a few hours in this magical environment, complete with a wooden pirate ship, teepees, a beach, and sculptures. Let the kids explore and dash about while you relax in one of the many cozy seating spots (royalparks.org.uk).

South Bank Walk

A stroll along the South Bank is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to experience London. The route runs from Westminster Bridge to Tower Bridge, by major sights like the London Eye, Tate Modern, and Shakespeare’s Globe. Along the way, you’ll find street performers, riverside cafés, and pop-up markets—perfect for a relaxed afternoon or an early evening wander.

Somerset House

Built around a grand courtyard on the Strand, Somerset House is a cultural hub with exhibitions, installations, and events throughout the year (somersethouse.org.uk). In summer, the courtyard is filled with dozens of fountains that move in choreographed sequences and hosts outdoor film screenings. During winter, the space transforms into one of London’s most spectacular ice rinks.

Regent’s Canal Walk (Little Venice to Camden)

For a different side of London, walk along the canal from Little Venice to Camden (canalrivertrust.org.uk). This waterside path takes you past famous narrowboats, charming cafés, and even the edge of London Zoo. It’s a scenic stroll that feels worlds away from central London, offering a glimpse of a more local side of the city.

Thames River Cruise

A cruise along the Thames is a fantastic way to take in many iconic landmarks, including the Houses of Parliament, Tower Bridge, and the London Eye. Plenty of options—from hop-on, hop-off boats to more upscale dining cruises—make it a flexible choice, whether you’re exploring by day or embarking in the evening.

Notting Hill

Known for its pastel-colored Victorian townhouses and antique shops, Notting Hill is one of London’s most picturesque neighborhoods. Wander the cobblestone streets and alleyways, browse indie boutiques, and explore the area’s colorful backdrops perfect for photo ops (visitlondon.com).

Wimbledon

Located in historic Merton, an outer borough of London about eight miles from the main city, Wimbledon is the oldest tennis tournament in the world and perhaps the most prestigious. It's held annually in early July, and tickets are challenging to acquire, but not impossible. You can enter your name in a public ballot the year prior or try for a ticket via the Queue on the day of a match.

Eligible American Express® Card Members at Wimbledon can enjoy exclusive on-site perks, including access to the Cardmember Lounge and rooftop bar at the Amex Pavilion (with up to two guests), complimentary radios, bespoke refreshments, and special giveaways. Eligible Card Members can also receive 20% off purchases at the Official Wimbledon Online Store during select promotional periods when paying with an eligible Amex Card. Terms apply.

Apart from Wimbledon, London has plenty of parks for a summer picnic, and you can pick up everything you need from Fortnum & Mason on Piccadilly (fortnumandmason.com). Buy a traditional wicker hamper, fill it with goodies from the Food Hall, then spread your blanket at St James’s Park next door.

Theater

Live theater and the West End are very much part of the fabric of London (lwtheatres.co.uk). Elevate your experience by adding a VIP option to select shows by contacting Hospitality@lwtheatres.co.uk. The VIP experience varies with various tiers, but includes a meet & greet, a reserved space either in a VIP lounge or VIP suite, snacks, and drinks.

Columbia Road Flower Market

Every Sunday, Columbia Road in East London comes alive with one of the city’s most vibrant markets (columbiaroad.info). Expect a mix of flower stalls, houseplants, street food, and independent shops, with a lively backdrop of music and market banter. It can get quite busy, so it’s worth getting there early if you want the best selection.

Belgravia Village

This historic central London community is famous for its independent boutiques, art galleries, blooming gardens, cozy cafes, fashionable restaurants, and white stucco houses. Check out Rachel Vosper, a small candle and scent shop renowned for beautiful hand-poured candles and home fragrances. Keep an eye out for celebrities, many of whom live in the Village. (rachelvosper.com)

Jermyn Street

Jermyn Street is the place to go for shirtmakers and menswear retailers (jermynstreet.net). Pop into Turnbull & Asser (turnbullandasser.com) for shirts that are literally fit for a king or take a look at the silk dressing gowns in New & Lingwood (newandlingwood.com). It’s not just menswear though, Paxton & Whitfield (paxtonandwhitfield.co.uk), one of the UK’s oldest cheesemongers (established in 1797), is here, as is Floris (florislondon.com), the oldest English perfumer (established in 1730).

Battersea Power Station

This decommissioned coal-fired power station has been converted into a retail space for a number of high-end brands, with dozens of shops, restaurants, and bars, as well as special activities year-round (batterseapowerstation.co.uk). On the south bank of the River Thames and just a short walk away, Battersea Park hosts regular events such as affordable art fairs, opera festivals, and weekly park runs.

Portobello Road Market

In the heart of Notting Hill, Portobello Road is one of London’s best-known shopping destinations, filled with eclectic shops and vibrant storefronts. Dating back more than 150 years, the world-famous market packs the street with stalls selling antiques, art, books, vintage fashion, and street food. Fridays and Saturdays offer the largest selection of vendors and the liveliest atmosphere (visitportobello.com).