8 Things to do in London

Home to Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and the wonders of Covent Garden are some of the best Instagram places online, London is a captivating city. People visit for the rich history, extraordinary architecture and in the hopes of a glimpse of the Queen. Truly it would be difficult to get bored in London, as there is always something to do. On a sunny day, people can be found listening to music by the river, but when it rains, there’s more culture.

From museums such as:

• The London Transport Museum
• The Science Museum
• The Postal Museum
• Victoria & Albert Museum
• Churchill War Rooms

To an astonishing amount of galleries, there is always something to explore, even on a rainy day.

The capital city of the United Kingdom, London counts 9 million people as residents and it is constantly growing. It is a melting pot of cultures, reflected in the many languages you’ll hear spoken on its streets.

Top 8 Things to Do in London

Over 20 million people visit London every year, and if you’re one of those, planning an itinerary in advance is handy. With so many options, you can tailor a journey that’s right for you and your travel companions.

1. See the city from above on the London Eye

Also known as the Millenium Wheel, this is Europe’s tallest cantilevered observation wheel, so it’s broken some records. Located on the South Bank of the city, it’s easy to spot and has become a symbol of modern London.

You can go as part of a group or book private sessions for just your group. Each full rotation lasts around 30 minutes so you have plenty of time to see the sights.

Some of the major landmarks you can see from this amazing angle include:

• The Houses of Parliament
• Westminster Abbey
• Big Ben
• Tower Bridge
• Buckingham Palace
• St. Paul’s Cathedral
• The Shard
• Tate Modern

2. Have a casino night out

There are few places in the world to have a big casino night out, but London is definitely up there. Most people are used to playing poker games online at 888poker.com on their phone or laptop now but it’s a thrill to do in person.

The two main places in town to go for a great casino night out are:

• The Hippodrome
• Empire Casino

Both of these are located in Leicester Square and you can’t miss the imposing buildings.

The Hippodrome is located inside a historical building that was once a theatre ,giving it a grand air. Three floors of gaming, a bar and places to eat mean you don’t have to leave until the early hours. You can sit at the tables hoping for four of a kind, or try the many machines. High stakes games are common here, especially when playing Omaha.

Empire Casino is in an old ballroom and it once played host to the World Series of Poker. It’s a place where luxury meets modernity, with phone charging stations and leather reclining seats.

Elsewhere, if you’re lucky enough to have membership or be invited, you can visit the casinos of Mayfair.

3. Visit the Warner Bros studio

The Warner Bros Studio in Watford is easily reached by coach from London Kings Cross or London Victoria. While Warner Bros are famous for producing films such as:

• Tenet
• Aquaman
• Joker
• Parasite
• Hamilton

The main focus of this extraordinary tour is Harry Potter. Delve into this magical world and explore the sets of all eight movies in the series.

Tours should be pre-booked online to avoid disappointment. This is a hot ticket, so it gets booked out in advance. Without giving away too many spoilers, you can wander the hallowed halls of Hogwarts, potions room and Weasley household. Definitely one for big fans of Harry Potter.

4. Take some time out in Kew Gardens

London has some of the best parks and gardens on the planet. Kew Gardens has Chinese pagodas, beautiful blooms and rare plants.

It’s set across 3,000 acres and looks beautiful in any season, but summer is when it is truly alive. You’ll also see Victorian glasshouses and can walk along a treetop pathway! Kew Gardens has an outdoor cinema and various festivals and installations throughout the year.

5. Watch a West End Show

London’s West End is commonly known as the theatre district, but it is also home to museums and galleries. Most of the theatres here are beautiful in their own right, and are full of history within their walls.

There are over sixty theatres here, packed into quite a small space in the city. That’s why you’ll definitely be able to catch a show, even if you only decide on the day. Theatre has strong roots in the United Kingdom and is woven into the culture. Many film stars test their mettle by treading the boards here, including Helen Mirren, Eddie Redmayne, Mark Rylance and more.

See many shows of the West End live such as The Lion King, Wicked, Hamilton or The Phantom of the Opera on your visit.

6. Be inspired by modern art

By the riverside you’ll find the Tate Modern, a huge institution dedicated to art. It’s also free, so it’s great to dip out of the rain to see what’s new.

On its walls you’ll find works by Warhol, Matisse and Bourgeois as well as several contemporary artists. Even the design and architecture is modern, and it houses several new exhibitions every year.

7. Find eccentric wares at Liberty

In a city known for its shopping, you will find all the top brands. However, there’s nowhere else quite like Liberty, a department store close to Oxford Circus. It dates back to 1875 but the current mock-Tudor building was constructed in the 1920s. The timber from two ancient warships was used in its pannelling.

Liberty-print cottons are a coveted item sold here, but you’ll also find exclusive designer collaborations so it’s definitely for the fashion-forward. Also stop by The Liberty Christmas Shop if it’s open, as it is most of the year. Find quirky tree decorations like carrots and broccoli covered in glitter that make super gifts.

8. See where royals are wed

Westminster Abbey is one of the most important UNESCO World Heritage Sites in London. It was a Benedictine Monastery in the 12th century, but these days plays host to special occasions.

Many royals have had their wedding ceremony at the abbey. This includes Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (William and Kate). The architecture is also spectacular and it’s remarkable when it is lit up at night. You’ll find the resting places of both Jane Austen and William Shakespeare there too.

One of the most diverse and cosmopolitan cities on the globe, London is an exciting destination. You could spend a year there and find something different to do every day. Whether you want nature, glamour, shopping or history, you will find it all in this splendid metropolis.