16 Best Places to Visit in London & Memories To Write Home About
There are an infinite number of ways to experience London. Walk along the river Thames, taking in the views of London’s evolving cityscape. Savor the flavors of London’s diverse communities. Discover the city’s layers of complex history. Find tranquility in London’s urban greenspace. Or feel the city pulse with life at Carnival, Europe’s largest street festival. No matter how many times you visit London you will always experience something new to write home about. And now, my fondest memories to inspire your future visit.
List of the Best Things to Do in London!
16 Ways to Experience London
Two days after getting married I landed at Heathrow International Airport. But, it wasn’t for my honeymoon. It was my first-ever corporate work trip. And, my first visit to London. The best part about London is that each time I visit there are new memories just waiting to be made. Each season brings a different perspective and a chance to be acquainted with another side of the city. Today I am sharing with you the places that spark my fondest memories from visiting London. Here are 16 best spots to visit in London!
Cross the Tower Bridge
The Tower Bridge is, hands down, one of London’s most iconic sites. Opened in 1894, this Victorian beauty has stood tall over the Thames for more than 125 years. (No, this is not the London Bridge.) Photograph it, walk over it, climb up it. And, my personal favorite, take a riverbus ride under it. I remember the moment I first saw the Tower Bridge. Whether I’m leisurely strolling along the riverbank or power walking to a dinner reservation across the water, I can’t help but stop and appreciate the beauty and architecture of the Tower Bridge.
Seeing the Tower Bridge for the first time was the moment I knew I had finally made it to London! No matter how many times I have visited since, this bridge never ceases to make me pause - even for just a moment.
Some of the best views of the Tower Bridge can be seen from a ride along the Thames. If you’re crossing London east to west, consider the riverbus. Or, you can see the bridge up close! Buy a ticket or book a tour to actually climb up the towers and learn about the bridge’s architecture, engineering and history! (This is at the top of my London bucket list!!)
Walk Along the Thames
No visit to London is complete without a walk along the Thames. One of the best ways to spend an afternoon is just strolling along the riverbank. So many of London’s most well-known spots line the water, including the London Eye, the Globe Theatre, Big Ben, the Tate Modern & more.
Watch the Skaters at South Bank Undercroft Skate Park
For over 40 years skateboarders, inline skaters and BXM riders have been tearing up the ramps and rails at London’s Undercroft Skate Park. Located right along the South Bank of the Thames, I cannot visit London without stopping at least once to watch the skaters.
Sip a Spot of Tea & Scones with Clotted Cream
You haven’t truly visited London until you enjoy a proper cup of tea. And, of course, a scone! After a morning of exploring the city, my wife & I stopped for an afternoon snack at the English Rose Café & Tea Shop. (Located very close to major tourist attractions, including Westminster Cathedral & Buckingham Palace.) London’s first tea shop opened in the early 1700’s, and over the next 300 years an afternoon cup of tea would become synonymous with quintessential British culture. Often enjoyed alongside finger cakes or a warm scone, build time into your itinerary for a spot of tea!
English Rose Café and Tea Shop is a quaint spot for an afternoon tea. From the porcelain tea cups to the Victorian decor, sipping tea at English Rose is an experience I recommend. One caveat – if you’re visiting London in the summer, there is no air conditioning. We sat at cute table outside, but on a Saturday afternoon the street was quite busy and louder than we would have liked. I hope to make it back on a cooler day when I can enjoy a tea while reading or writing a letter.
It is important to not overlook the complex and also dark history of Britain’s relationship with tea. Increased demand for tea was an important factor in global commerce, contributing to devastating impacts of British colonialism including the Opium Wars and indentured servitude in tea plantations across India.
Want to learn more about the history of how London's global tea trade developed? Visit the Museum of London Docklands!
Walk Through Hyde Park
Just a 15 minute walk from English Rose, you’ll find Hyde Park. One of London’s most iconic sites, Hyde Park has been open to the public since 1637! 100 years earlier the park was first established by King Henry VIII as a private hunting ground. Today it is one of London’s best know and most visited urban greenspaces. Last August I found myself wandering around Hyde Park on a lazy Sunday morning. I was pleasantly surprised at how calm and quiet the park was.
Despite being in the middle of London, Hyde Park has a feeling of tranquility and calm. A space for Londoners to enjoy walking through flowers and trees, take a nap or meet friends for a picnic on sprawling lawn. Or, even rent a paddle boat to explore the The Serpentine, the lake running through Hyde Park. But, Hyde Park is not just a space for escape and relaxation. It has also been, and continues to be, a place where Londoners come together to speak out against social injustice. Back in 1972 the UK’s first Gay Pride parade ended at Hyde Park. Today demonstrators in support of the Black Lives Matter movement for racial justice and anti-racism stand together in Hyde Park fighting for a better future.
Let’s head to a few of my favorite spots in Central London. If you’ve ever traveled with me, you know one of my first stops in any city is always Chinatown.
Savor the Flavors of Chinatown
Originally London’s Chinatown was on the eastern side of the city, near Limehouse and the Docklands. London’s Chinatown neighborhood of today wasn’t formed until the 1950s! On my first visit I was so surprised by how centrally located it is and how abruptly London’s Chinatown starts and ends. Chinatown’s main commercial presence is along Gerrard Street, which is lined with restaurants and shops. Also, like many Chinatowns, you’ll actually find not just Chinese, but pan-Asian cuisine.
At the intersection of Wardour & Lisle Streets stands the Chinatown gate. This gate is actually a newcomer to the neighborhood, only erected in 2016! Designed in the style of the Qing Dynasty, the gate stands on two pillars and features depictions of golden dragons. The oak and red pine used in the gate’s construction were even sourced directly from Beijing (Source: Shaftesbury). London’s Chinatown gate is one of four in the U.K. and the largest.
Bun House
26-27 Lisle Street, London WC2H 7BA, UK
What’s the best place to eat in London’s Chinatown? Hands down, Bun House! Serving up traditional Cantonese-style bao, or steamed buns, Bun House is the perfect place to sit down for a meal or to grab a few bao on the go. When I arrived at Bun House there was already a line out the door. I promise you it was worth the wait. Walk in and you’ll see a variety freshly steamed bao. Choose your favorites, and each one will be stamped with the Chinese character. The pig and lamb buns were good, but the custard bun wins my vote! A warm, fluffy bun filled with creamy, sweet egg custard. ::drooling!::
Order a couple bao to go, and they come in such a cute, little cardboard carrying carrier. There is even a chopstick handle! On my last visit to Bun House I ordered two custard bao just for me. I didn’t even make it down the street before biting into one.
Bake
My other London Chinatown favorite is Bake at 9 Wardour Street. This shop sells fresh baked goods from not only China, but also Malaysia, Japan and Korea. A highlight is the Japanese-style taiyaki filled with sweet red bean paste! Overall, in my opinion London’s Chinatown is not one of my favorite Chinatowns. But, since it’s so centrally located it is definitely worth a visit!
Right next door to Bun House is KU, one of London’s most popular Gay Bars.
Have a Drink in Leadenhall Market
A visit to London is not complete without strolling through Leadenhall Market. On a nice day, walk through Leadenhall to see the sun shining through the roof. Stop and enjoy a drink in one of London’s historic commercial centers.
Leadenhall Market History
By the 1300’s, poulterers and cheesemongers called Leadenhall Market home, with signature industries evolving over the next 600 years to include leather, cutlery and numerous other goods. The Market was extensively restored in 1991, and is now home to a variety of shops and restaurants. Over the years more chain stores have moved in, but the vibe is Leadenhall is still special to experience. (You can read a more extensive Leadenhall History here.)
Visit the Leaky Cauldron Pub Entrance
Harry Potter fans, get excited! Leadenhall Market was the filming location for select Diagon Alley shoots. Remember the scene where Harry and Hagrid enter the Leaky Cauldron through a blue doorway? The actual location is found right in Leadenhall Market! Head to 2-4 Bull’s Head Passage, or Glass House Optician. For the best photos of Leadenhall’s interior and the architecture head there on the weekend when it is less crowded.
Photograph an Iconic Red Phone Kiosk
When in London…
Super tourist overload? Yes. Will that stop me? Absolutely not! What screams “London!” more than than the red phone phone kiosks that still stand tall across the city?! These city icons first appeared on London’s streets in the 1920s. The UK’s first phone booths, the K1 style, were not actually red. But, the London Metropolitan leadership was unimpressed with the K1’s aesthetic, and a design competition ensued. Sir Giles Gilbert Scott came out on top, and his design became the first phone kiosk to line London’s streets!
Take a look at the top of the booth, and you’ll see a crown. This was added to the standard design in 1926 and continues until today. Over the past 100 years there have been changes and tweaks to the design, but visit London and there will be no shortage of red phone kiosks! These iconic red booths are one of many of the most Instagrammable spots in London!
Some communities have even gotten creative with repurposing the booths. While walking along Loampit Hill in the South London area of Lewisham I came across a kiosk with no phones, but instead books! The Lewisham Micro Library is London’s smallest book repository. Opened in 2013 by creator Seb Handley, this Micro Library has become a real part of the community. You can even find it on Google Maps!
Britain is not the only place you will can find these red phone booths. Some former British Colonies also adopted the red booths, including Bermuda. Nowadays countries all over the world have randomly places red booths, functioning as public art.
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While you’re in south London, head west from Lewisham to Brixton.
Shop in Brixton
It was on a warm, early summer Saturday that I first visited Brixton. But, it wasn’t just any Saturday. It was Saturday, May 19, 2018 – the wedding day of Megan Markel & Prince Harry. The whole of London was buzzing with energy, including the South London neighborhood of Brixton.
Brixton is a predominantly immigrant neighborhood with a large population of people of Afro-Caribbean descent. If you’re looking for jerk chicken, Caribbean curries or authentic roti, Brixton will not disappoint! But, Brixton has also been undergoing gentrification for the past 25 years, threatening the housing security for many of the neighborhood’s working class residents. On a visit to Brixton this dynamic is immediately visible. I definitely recommend a visit, and I encourage you to support the local vendors and retailers.
Brixton's Commercial Centers
Visiting Brixton definitely means walking through Brixton Market, Brixton Village and Electric Avenue. This area has been a commercial hub since the late 1800s! Today, take either the tube, overground or a variety of bus lines to Brixton Road. On a nice day walk along Electric Avenue, browsing the market stalls that the pedestrian road! Fun fact: Electric Avenue was one of the UK’s first outdoor markets to be lit using electricity!
Map of Brixton by BrixtonMarket.net Rain or shine Brixton Village is the perfect indoor market to spend a few hours. Pick up some fresh fruits and vegetables, locally butchered meat or any Afro-Caribbean or South Asian spice you could want! Brixton Village is also home to a variety of small, artisanal coffee shops and restaurants serving cuisines from around the world. But, the evolving vibe of Brixton Village reflects the increasing gentrification, and local groups are working to advocate for the economic and retail policies to keep Brixton’s commercial hubs accessible to locals and tourists alike.
Want to learn more about the history of Brixton as a South London commercial center? Join the Brixton Society for a Market Heritage Walk!
Anyone for Pimm's?
Whether or not you’re watching Wimbledon, a summer afternoon in London deserves Pimms. First things first, if you’re not from the UK ‘Pimms’ may not be part of your everyday vocabulary. So, what is Pimms? Pimms No. 1 is actually a gin-based liqueur invented by James Pimm, owner of a London oyster bar in the early 1800s. Originally marketed as a post-meal digestif, a Pimms Cup is a combination of Pimms No. 1, soda or ginger ale, fruit and a bit of mint garnish. Apples, pears, strawberries – it’s up to you. Or, up to bartender I should say! A Pimms is also the perfect companion for a summer afternoon.
Pimms at Pop Brixton
Have you ever had that moment when you realize someone is not just a coworker, but they are truly a friend? For me, that happened over a pair of Pimms. After an epic day of exploring over 10 miles of London on foot (plus the bus and metro!), we ended up in South London at Pop Brixton. A pop-up retail and food vendor space in Brixton, Pop is home over 50 small businesses. And, it’s a great spot to relax and have drink or meal. There are plenty of options to choose from and lots of seating, especially in the warm weather.
Needing a rest for our tired feet, Alex & I found a comfy spot on a pair of bean bag chairs. And there, over a Pimms, began the start of what by two years later would become a solid friendship that I cherish today. Not to mention, a newfound appreciation for cold Pimms on a hot afternoon!
Visit Crossrail Place Roof Garden in Canary Wharf
Work travel is what first brought me to London, and Canary Wharf is still the neighborhood where I have spent the most time. Best known as a global financial hub, Canary Wharf is more than just skyscrapers and bankers. Many of my co-workers flee as quickly as possible after work, but there are plenty of great things to do and see in Canary Wharf!
Canary Wharf is home to Crossrail Place, a futuristic transit hub featuring restaurants, bars, workout studios and a fantastic public green space! Head to the top floor of Crossrail Place for the Roof Garden. Located just west of the Prime Meridian, the garden’s landscaping is divided into two sections representing the eastern and western hemispheres. Japanese Maples and bamboo line the eastern side, with ferns and palms from the Americas to the west. A mini-oasis of natural beauty contrasting the post-industrial background of Canary Wharf’s skyscrapers.
The Roof Garden at Crossrail Place is a lovely public garden, but head just south of Canary Wharf for the next level in urban green space!
Explore Mudchute Park & Farm - Barnyard Meets Big Business
When I told my London-based colleagues there was a farm just a mile away from our offices they were skeptical. Mudchute Park & Farm is one of the most unique green spaces in London! It sits just south of Canary Wharf’s financial center. Mudchute is home to 32 acres of open fields, a playground and an urban farm! Who knew that just a 10 minute metro ride away from Canary Wharf are cows, pigs, chickens and even llamas!? The farm is open 9 am to 5 pm, seven days a week, and it is free to walk around and visit your four-legged neighbors!
Interested in planning a visit to the farm? Read my guide to visiting Mudchute Park & Farm here.
Left derelict during the mid-20th century, in 1974 the park’s land was slated by the city as the future home of a high rise estate. Community organizers came together to protect the land, and in 1977 the Mudchute Association was formed. Today there is a thriving garden with livestock (most of which are breeds native to the UK), community education programs and even stained glass making courses!
Note that Mudchute really is a functioning farm. Wear shoes or boots that you don't mind getting a little muddy!
Hackney City Farm
Mudchute isn’t the only farm in London! For the barnyard feel a little closer to central London visit the Hackney City Farm! This is another fun place especially if you’re visiting London with kids.
Spend at Sunday Morning at the Columbia Road Flower Market
Head to London’s Hackney neighborhood on Sunday morning, and you’re in for a treat! Every Sunday Columbia Road explodes with the vibrant colors and natural beauty of hundreds and hundreds of flowers! The market is open from about 8 am to 3 pm. It gets VERY crowded, so I recommend visiting in the morning when the market is just opening up. Fresh cut flowers, potted houseplants, fragrant herbs, tropical species, small trees and more! The Flower Market is filled with beautiful blooming flowers and lush greenery.
Along Columbia Road you will also find small shops selling hand-crafted flower pots and gardening supplies. Especially if the crowd gets to be too much, pop into a store along the side of the road for a moment of respite. There are also plenty of great cafes in the area, so round out your flower shopping with breakfast or a coffee. Strolling down Columbia Road was one of my wife & I’s favorite activities together in London.
If you are sensitive to crowds, I do not recommend visiting the Flower Market. Or, visit early before the throngs of visitors arrive. If you're visiting with small children it gets very cramped for strollers.
Columbia Road Flower Market History
In 1869 the original Columbia Market first opened with over 400 market stands selling foodstuff. By 1886 the market closed down, but the small shops along the road stayed. But, Columbia Market would an active commercial center again with a Saturday trading market. In order to accommodate the expanding Jewish population and merchant community the Market was moved to Sundays, and over time evolved into the successful flower market of today.
Try Pastries from Ottolenghi
If you ask my wife what her favorite place in London was, her answer will always be ‘Ottolenghi’. 5 visit in 4 days, and that is not an exaggeration. First opened about 20 years ago, Ottolenghi has grown into a London staple with multiple locations across the city. Head to Ottolenghi for a sit-down meal or treat yourself to dessert from the bakery.
Founding chef Yotam Ottolenghi is renowned author of multiple best-selling cookbooks and writes a food column for The Guardian. At its roots Ottolenghi had a Mediterranean focus, but now their menu has expanded. But, for me Ottolenghi’s incredible draw are their baked goods. Like a magnetic field, my wife & I were unable to be within a 1/2 mile of an Ottolenghi without being drawn in!
Our Ottolenghi Favorites
- Polenta lemon pistachio cake
- Fig pistachio almond tart
- Lemon blueberry almond cake
- Olive oil cake
Sampling a pastry or two (or three or four) is definitely one of the best things to do in London!
Explore London's Street Art Scene
Throughout the city you will find incredible street art. The best known areas for London’s Street Art include Shoreditch, Brick Lane, Camden Town and the Leake Street Tunnel. But, keep your eyes peeled no matter where you’re exploring! London’s street art will not disappoint!
If you’re visiting London during the last weekend in August you may overlap with the Notting Hill Carnival Festival. Since 1966 Londoners (and more recently visitors from around the world) come together in a celebration led by the West Indian / Afro-Caribbean community. Calypso & soca beats fill the streets of Notting Hill accompanied by a parade and dance parties. Carnival has grown to one of Europe’s largest street parties! During Carnival, many storefronts in Notting Hill are boarded up, making for plenty of opportunities for colorful murals. This is one of my favorites from Carnival in 2019.
Spot The Gherkin!
Towering over London’s historic landmarks are the skyscrapers of the city’s future. The Gherkin, or 30 St. Mary Axe, officially joined London’s skyline in 2004. Today it is one of London’s most iconic buildings. After a few intense days of working from Canary Wharf, one of my dearest co-workers took me on my first walk through downtown London. One of my fondest memories was our race to see who could be the first to ‘spot The Gherkin’! I lost. But, I know one day I will visit London again with a first-timer and have my chance at a ‘spot The Gherkin’ victory!
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Have other suggestions of the best places to visit in London? Let us know in the comments?
I miss London so much! You mentioned every great place I remember, even the skate park! We sat there for an hour watching an artist paint. I cannot wait to go back!
London is absolutely one of our favorite cities in the world! We keep coming back and still have yet to do the same things!! A few of these will be added to our list next time we visit this amazing city! Thanks for sharing your experiences!! : )
Kelsey – Thanks for stopping by! I completely agree with you. Each time I visit London my ‘to see’, ‘to visit’ and ‘to eat’ lists just keep getting longer and longer!
I just love London. It’s like at least 5 different cities rolled into one – the old and new, the and the fusion of cultures. Walking along the Thames is one of my favourite ways to enjoy the city too (although boats are also good). Thanks for sharing. Makes me want to revisit as soon as it is fully open again.
This is a really useful guide! Might have to have a staycation this year so London is an option. Thanks for sharing
Thanks, Katy! Even if we can’t go too far, I hope you can enjoy a staycation! No matter when you make it to London, I’m sure you’ll have a great time.
Great list! I love walking along the Thames and enjoying a nice scone with clotted cream. I also had never heard of Ottolenghi so will have to visit! It looks so good!
Thanks, Kelly! Yes, I wish I were enjoying a scone right now. Definitely try Ottolenghi when you have a chance. They also have a great cookbook.
So happy I found this post! There’s a decent chance we will be visiting London in the near future so I started researching things we could do outside and many of the things on your list are outdoor activities! Thank you!
Hi, Lissa – I hope you can make it to London! There are definitely plenty of outdoor sites to visit!
What a wonderful list of ‘don’t miss’ places in London. And who knew there was a Chinatown?
London is such an amazing city and I loved reading your post and seeing the pictures. It reminded me a lot of my travels to the city, and also new places that I haven’t been yet. Can’t wait to go back to London!
Thanks, Moshe! I hope you can make it back! Do you have any special travel memories from London you would have included on the list?
I have lots of great memories and experiences from London, like the Tower of London – I just love the history and the old armors and weapons, The scary adventures – I did both the London Dungeon and the London Bridge Experience, Tate modern was fascinating, I loved the unique style of Camden (for shopping and food) and more 🙂
Hehe, my last trip to London was in 1980. I barely remember anything, except for the crown jewels in the Tower and the moving walk that rolled you along the exhibit with guards watching that you stand still on the moving walk.
Well, maybe it is time for me to visit London again?
Hi, Rudy! hahaha Yes, maybe time for you to head back to London for a visit! If you do, let us know what changes strike you the most 🙂
I’ve lived in London for 18 months and I never knew about Crossrail Place Roof Garden in Canary Wharf, it looks amazing I would love to visit
Hi, Carly-jo! If you’re in the area, it is a nice place to sit with a coffee or tea 🙂
I’ve always been so fascinated by London and the city has somewhat felt so familiar – what with years of reading books/ watching movies set in London, playing monopoly etc.! On my last visit I tried to cram in as many places as I could visit and walking through Hyde Park was one of my favourite experiences.
Ah London. My favorite places to visit include Covent Garden, Notting Hill, Camden Market, St. James Park, musicals..ah, the list is endless. Though I realize it’s been over 10 years since I visited the city and some of the things you mention above (like Ottolenghi) weren’t as popular back then. Also, I had no clue about the skaters! Damn. Gotta go, gotta go. Someday!
This is such a great list! The Tower Bridge would be a must! Ottolenghi sounds amazing. Those pastries look delicious, I think I would definitely have to try four of them! The street art would be at the top of the list as well, always a favorite of mine! I love that you have mentioned some not so well known sites, it lets you experience the culture of London so much better.
Love this list of great places in London! It made me realize that there are so many amazing places I have yet to visit. Adding these to my next London trip list
Awww you have made me really miss London! I love the parks, the history (and all those gorgeous old buildings,) the street art and the food!
This post made me really happy. It’s such a nice city to live in and explore. The only thing I don’t miss is the pollution.
Thanks, Josy! So glad you enjoyed it! The old buildings are so beautiful. There are so many more places I still want to go visit to learn more about the history of the city. 🙂
That’s an alluring list, Courtney. I had never been to London but I will try all of them on my visit to the city. Really enjoyed reading this article.
London is wonderful like a couple of English cities rolled into one. If I every go there I would love to visit all the historical monuments and click photos on the side of Thames river.
Hi, Anshul – I hope you can make it to London. Definitely so many great places to take photos along the Thames!
Leadenhall Market: yes, double yes, triple yes!
And Chinatown… It was one of my first loves when I moved to the UK. I now live between London and Rome, and whenever I’m in Rome, I have only one thing in mind: going back to London ASAP!
You’ve made me dream of home a little bit there. Thank you so much for reminding me why I love London so much. A city full of opportunities, mixed with new and old altogether… Ugh. I miss it!