London packs world-class museums (several of them free), buzzing markets, royal parks and neighbourhoods with wildly different personalities into a single city. Whether you have three days or a full week, here is how to build your itinerary around the essentials, without just skimming the surface.
Protect my London tripLandmarks and museums: the historic heart of the city
The Tower of London: a thousand years of royal history
Fortress, royal prison, treasury: the Tower of London has worn many faces across the centuries. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it houses the Crown Jewels in the Waterloo Barracks. The Yeomen Warders, known as Beefeaters, lead visitors through the medieval towers and recount the stories of the famous prisoners held within, from Anne Boleyn to Thomas More.
Entry is ticketed. Booking online in advance avoids the queues, especially in summer and during school holidays.
The British Museum: two million years of human history, free to enter
The British Museum brings together more than 80,000 objects across 70 galleries, and the permanent collection is completely free. The Rosetta Stone, the Elgin Marbles, Egyptian mummies and the Sutton Hoo treasures are among the standout pieces. The Great Court’s glass roof, designed by Norman Foster, is an architectural spectacle in its own right.
During busy periods, some major museums recommend booking a free timed entry slot online.
Tate Modern: contemporary art overlooking the Thames
Housed in a converted power station, Tate Modern brings together works by Picasso, Warhol, Rothko and Hockney, all free for the permanent collection. From level 10 of the Blavatnik Building, the view across St Paul’s Cathedral and the City rooftops is breathtaking. Temporary exhibitions are ticketed.
St Paul’s Cathedral: 528 steps above the city
Designed by Sir Christopher Wren and completed in 1710, St Paul’s Cathedral has dominated the City for more than three centuries. Climbing the 528 steps to the Golden Gallery rewards you with a 360-degree panorama across London. In the crypt lie Lord Nelson and the Duke of Wellington.
Royal parks: the green lungs of the capital
Hyde Park and the walk to Buckingham Palace
Hyde Park is one of London’s eight royal parks. You can hire rowing boats on the Serpentine, jog along shaded paths or spread a picnic blanket on the grass. Speakers’ Corner, at the north-east edge of the park, draws impromptu orators every Sunday, a tradition long embedded in British culture. Continuing east, you pass through St James’s Park and out towards the gardens of Buckingham Palace.
Markets and food: London eating outdoors
Borough Market: the foodie’s destination near London Bridge
Nestled beneath the iron arches of London Bridge, Borough Market is one of the capital’s oldest food markets. Entry is free and open to all. Aged cheeses, charcuterie, artisan breads, street food from around the world: the range is extraordinary. The market is closed on Mondays. It opens Tuesday to Friday from 10am to 5pm, Saturday from 9am to 5pm and Sunday from 10am to 4pm.
Camden Market: alternative energy along the canal
In north London, Camden Market blends vintage clothing stalls, quirky finds and live music. Along Regent’s Canal, Hawley Wharf packs in food halls open Monday to Sunday from 11:30am to 11pm. The main market is open every day from 10am to 7pm.
Covent Garden and the neighbourhoods best explored on foot
Covent Garden brings together independent boutiques, cafes and street performers beneath a Victorian market hall. It is also the home of the Royal Opera House. A short walk away, Seven Dials is packed with independent restaurants and original shops, well away from the big chains. Further east, Shoreditch is London’s creative hub: emerging art galleries, carefully crafted coffee shops and street art on every wall.
When to visit London?
London rewards a visit at any time of year, with each season setting its own rhythm.
- Spring (March to May): the parks burst into bloom and the queues stay manageable. Perfect for walking.
- Summer (June to August): long days and a lively atmosphere, but heavy crowds at every attraction. Book tickets and accommodation well in advance.
- Autumn (September to November): soft light, quieter museums and often more affordable places to stay.
- Winter (December to January): Christmas markets transform the city, and pop-up ice rinks appear outside Somerset House and Battersea Power Station. Our guide Christmas in London covers the best festive addresses and events of the season.
Want to explore other great cities? Our guides Things to do in New York and Things to do in Montreal give you the same essential breakdown of these two unmissable destinations.
FAQ
Are London’s museums free?
Most of the major national museums, including the British Museum, Natural History Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum, Tate Modern and the National Gallery, offer free entry to their permanent collections. Temporary exhibitions, however, are ticketed. During busy periods, it is worth booking a free timed entry slot online, even when admission itself is free.
Do you need to book the Tower of London in advance?
Yes. The Tower of London is one of the most visited sites in the UK and entry is ticketed. Booking online helps you skip the queues, particularly in summer and during school holidays.
Where is the best place to eat in London?
Borough Market (near London Bridge) and Camden Market (in north London) are the two standout destinations for street food. Borough Market opens on Saturdays from 9am, before the crowds descend. Camden and its Hawley Wharf are open until 11pm, making it ideal for a lively evening out.
How many days do you need to visit London?
A weekend break of two to three days lets you take in the highlights: one ticketed landmark, two or three free museums, a market. To cover the different neighbourhoods and a few off-the-beaten-track spots, allow five to seven days.
Is London suitable for families with children?
Absolutely. The Natural History Museum (with its dinosaurs and blue whale skeleton) and the Science Museum are both free and hugely popular with children. Hyde Park offers acres of open space. Public transport is efficient, though some stations on the older Underground lines do not have lifts.
